How do I keep from falling so much?

[Irulan]

http://www.bikejames.com/strength/rider-qa-how-do-i-stop-falling-so-much-on-the-trail/

GREAT advice for beginners. This guy has pretty good tips in his blog.

[indysteel]

I ride out of the saddle a lot, which may help explain why I haven't fallen until today, even as a new rider. It may also explain why I did crash today. I was in my saddle when I hit those roots if memory serves. I'm not trying to overthink it, but I do wonder if I could have responded to my bike going wonky if I'd been out of the saddle.

[thekarens]

It's hard to convince a new rider that you really do have more control out of the saddle. It doesn't seem logical.

[indysteel]

It was one of my biggest takeaways from the skills clinic I took two years ago. On my first post-clinic ride, I got out of the saddle on an early section of the trail that, at the time, freaked me put and was amazed by the difference. So, I became a believer from the start. Plus, I find it to make my rides more fun. Even with a FS bike, I don't like feeling beat up bike sitting too much.

[tealtreak]

10x on out of the saddle...one of my fav Luna pro clinic lessons included Suzie Snyder's admonition that no matter how tired you are keep your butt off the seat.. even if it is only an inch.... hover, hover, hover,... I still hear it in my mind when riding.....