I have heard about people riding with George W in the mtns. Thats cool you ran into him. The last time I heard of this was a few months back. One of the guys from Niner was setting up a new 29er rig for him. They were out riding in Texas. They said he is pretty good. Do you remember if they were riding on Niners?? I got out in the mtns last week. I am so happy the weather is getting nice!! I did some work on my mtn bike last week. I have avid juicy 7's and I did a brake bleed on them. WOW!!! brakes are feeling real good now. Also put a new chain on and it is shifting crisp!! I am thinking about rebuilding my front fork and rear shock soon.