It is interesting for a rookie like me to watch these videos sometimes.
It's not that I aspire to be able to do anything like what Chris is doing. It's just interesting to see what these machines are capable of-- particularly with respect to rocks and rock gardens.
I have had a few moments recently when I had to tell myself, "That only looks impossible because you're thinking like a road bike rider. You know the bike is physically capable of going up that, but your brain just won't accept it. You think you're sure to get a flat or bend a rim or something, but this is SO much less steep and rocky than what you've seen people can actually do. You spent good money on good tires. This is what they are for. There are spots to bug out if you start to panic, you walked down, but you can ride back up, because you know where the loose spots are, so just try it."
On one occasion I chickened out, but on another I didn't... and the bike just charged up through rocks that, to me, had looked like they'd tear my tires to shreds. It wasn't even that hard, but it's like you guys have been saying-- try to go straight as much as possible where it's loose, don't look directly at obstacles or you'll ride directly into them, feather brakes (that's second nature now, thank God) and be conscious of center of gravity, etc.
It may actually help that my bike is underpowered, at least learning at this advanced age-- I think I'd spin out more with an 80nm bike.
I wish I'd started this when I was younger-- a lot younger. I'll never do anything like the terrain in that video-- not even close.
But I can still push a little past where I am. Just a bit.