Mel,

Any advice for dealing with a course that has significant rocks on the bike? I just did the EX2 OFT and this course made Richmond look smooth! I would like to stick with my hardtail, but after last weekend, my rear end is screaming for a full suspension.

Courses with significant rock gardens are often great for the full suspension rider. A hard tail is an advantage mainly on courses with longer climbs. When it somes to technical, you can't argue with the full suspension riders, it is just plain better to have a softail.

That being said, a high volume tire with an aggressive tread pattern will allow you to run slightly lower pressure which is the "old school" rear suspension. That is an option.

If you have an option, you have to weigh the weight benefits against the speed you can ride the singletrack on a softail. Sometimes you end up flipping a coin! Hope that helps!

Mel