Is a 63 year old supposed to be able to ride without crashing his mountain bike?

I'm doubtful tonight. I tried taking a cable at the edge of a parking lot, that drooped to about 8 inches off the ground. I've crossed it going slow several times in the past. This afternoon, I figured I could take it a little faster. WRONG. Just as my front wheel ran over and cleared the cable, it jumped up and snagged my chainring, just like the arresting cable on an aircraft carrier snagging a jet fighter. I did the classic face plant in the mud - then my trusty bike came over on top of me. I felt really silly laying there - I was supposed to be on the bike, not vice-versa.

So, if there's a time a guy should justify taking a break to heal from the cuts, scrapes, lumps and bumps, it should be now. But you know what? Once the bleeding stops, I'm anxious to go again. I'll just take the cables a little slower from now on.