The motorcycle rides more than the rider. The rider is heavier than the bike in mountain biking. There are times when Mr. Singer's bike seat is touching his chest to keep his weight distributed evenly. A mountain bike, rubber and all, weighs only 23-28 pounds. One more division, the Clydesdale, matches riders against each other weighing 200 pounds or more.
Survival is the name of the game on the trail.
Mr. Singer worked in the transition tent at the Laguna Seca race. It wasn't uncommon for riders to lose their batons. The effect is devasting on a team. Most people should do the lap at least once before the race. There are some sections that are double-tracked for passing but most of the course is single track and if you try to pass, you may get hung up on a manzanita.