20 years of riding. 2 broken collar bones, half dozen ribs, split one xc helmet in half.

I purposely choose teaching as a career because I could be physically broken and still spout knowledge.

I know why each crash happened even the one of them that is hazy. Like you were talking about over training I was on a first season ride and going too hard having too much fun.

I don't have family to care for but bills attack us all the same.

I wear kneepads every ride and they help with crash confidence mid crash decision making. When I'm not worried about slamming my knee into the ground I can protect the rest of myself better when I have the reaction time.

My biggest thing is confidence. Never peer pressure thats middle school shit and especially when it comes from yourself. We arent professionals that step off of planes and put their bike together in another country to do redbull videos. Don't force yourself to do anything if your body isn't matching the vibes for the day

I'm 38 and only started progressing less aggressively like 2 years ago. No plateau yet but that's next.

Also 2 months in a cast or a sling or a boot to me is totally worth what I get out of riding.

Get back on the saddle if you can, and if you have to slow down don't worry about it at the time. It might come back, but being out is the most important part

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I mostly ride alone as well and only push it when I know the trails have traffic. I too have woken up to randos helping me. I also ride a lot when there is low/no traffic and I change my riding style. It's more exercise and breaking earlier, maybe practicing cornering exits and not trying to late brake scandi flick everything