I just typed a massive reply but it got lost when I previewed it

The summary is, I have got Dainese ones and they are great but not as good as these (which I will be buying before I go out there). Get the arm pads too. It'll cost around £100 but better than broken limbs or lots of skin loss (causing the potential to lose all your holiday money)!

Roach Pads

I second Rob's comments. A lot of it is psycological but they will also help if you do fall off! Remember, it will be trails you aren't familiar with and you'll be riding at warp factor 9 so you may use them!

I'm thinking about getting a full face helmet....

I've gone for the Met Parachute - full face with removeable chin guard - there's lovely see! It's coming along together with the rest of the Dainese armour. Cheers, Simon S.

Ordered some cheap knee and elbow pads fro chain reaction. Should arrive tommow. Will let you know what their like. had good reviews. Did'nt want to send too much as I will only wer them for 1 weeek a year