No amount of fitness level will change the lack of cartilage in your knees. Sounds like the weekend was tough on them!
Lots of sidehilling isn't great for them either. Good that you could still get out on the course, though.
I would be happier with my outings if I stopped making one boneheaded error per course. Fitness is what it is (biking is becoming a fun pastime but I'll have to see how often I can get out as it gets colder).