Went for about a 5 hour ride yesterday with my girl. 68 degrees on December 21st in MD it was kinda hard not to ride.
Trail conditions are getting crazy, but lots of fun. Lots of rain mixed with freezing temps. Warm day to soften the top few inches leaving frozen slickness underneath. Lots of fun.
Did a few higher speed downhills, gotta say my old hardtail did just fine. Guess its what I am used to.
The Captain Elites must have just needed some break in time cuz now after around 60 trail miles and 6 or so road miles to and from the trails the side walls are much more flexible.