I've got a few quick questions for you guys. When I go to my local trails I'm always getting passed up by xc riders on s-works and xc full suspension bikes. I know I'm a n00b still but I can't even begin to keep up with some of them. Others I can ride with most of the time. Is it because they are very good riders or do they just have better bikes? I noticed they are more consistant then me which leads me to my next question.

Should I bother messing with all of this cadence stuff? I do better when I sit down and try to spin the cranks more so then muscle it but I have way less fun then when I stand up and muscle it more so. My trails also have tons and tons of roots so sitting down on a hardtail sucks basically. In fact I have only seen one other hardtail. It was a very nice s-works at that. I don't mind being passed I'm really only out to have fun but I feel like there is some secret that no one has let me in on.

I ussually stretch before and after every ride and consume 200mg of caffiene for some extra kick because of Pete's advice and try to consume all the vitamins he also mentioned. I don't really run out of energy or strength ever just get overheated and a lack of lung power. When I have been going riding it has been 90-95 or so everytie. Could that be why I'm doing so bad? That however doesn't explain why everyone else still does decently. I do have very bad sinus problems could that cause me to have breathing issues? Anyone have any ideas that would improve my riding?

EDIT: better?