Yes I was a messenger in DC, Seattle, and SF. Actually I tried to keep it from being thrilling although I loved it. More of a zen like experience. Mt biking? Those downhills scare me. I live in Phuket and some of the downhills on some trails I find scary because trees don't move haha. I used to keep buying mt bikes and then try it and then sell them. Maybe a cross bike would suit me better... That's a lovely area up there. I spent some time in Vermont and upstate NY.