"That blows, man!" Bart Simpson. I've been an ICU RN for 7+ years now. Seen this injury and others that are "Career Enders". You are right as to how lucky you are. Today I am taking care of a guy with a C7 compression from diving from standing flat, while in the water (Oooh! sounds risky to me!), and augering hard (jumped forward and landed on face). Like you said the stats don't bear out (compared to other sports like say hockey and football) for mountain biking to have the rap is does. I admit that what I do affects how I ride. RESPECT to the mountain! Take heed of mpathic's tale chill'uns. AND to sound like a guidance coucillor. Play SOBER! Save the bevies for after the ride. They have the exact same effect as that short sleep (the more you have, especially later in the day, the shorter that sleep becomes). We have a saying in my industry "alcohol + ______ = work" Meet me on the trail, not staring up at my pretty face from a Hospital bed.