Crimecrusher, what trail are you riding out at the lake? Muleshoe? Anyways, I had SPD's for awhile but when I got my new Surly I opted to go with flats, and do they make a lot of difference. I would say, that since you seem to be doing technical stuff, you should go with flats that have grip and run some skate shoes. A lot of the North Shore/Whistler guys run that set up and I have found it to be just as "grippy" as the SPD's but I can bail a WHOLE lot easier. Just my $.02, figured I'd give you another alternitive to look into.