I was having a rough day today before I realized that the weather was nice enough to ride. I got out on my mountain bike for essentially the first time since 1.5 years ago when I superman'd, giving myself bursitis and a split chin (five stitches!). With that in mind and the knee untested, I rode the three first, easy miles of Picture Rock, out and back.
It was so good for me! I learned that I can trust my knee if I have to stop abruptly and put my foot down. I walked a lot of stuff, some of which I was surprised to find myself walking. I rode some stuff, some of which I was surprised to find myself riding. I decided not to push it with basically zero fitness and not being sure how my knee would feel on the descent. Good call. I can ride the whole thing later.
Also, speaking of spending money, I am looking at demo'ing the Ellsworth Rogue 40 this summer, after I get my base back.