Me? A Dirt Girl?? Advice needed

[ChainsOflove]

Last fall I bought a cyclocross bike for the winter and I've taken to adventuring off road. I am a real weenie about it so far, like I freak when there's a big rock in the road, but I LOVE the mountain bike trails! Its so much fun to go in the woods!!.

I am seriously thinking about getting a basic little mountain bike. I'm terrified of steep rocky slopes but I think I'm just conditioned by roadie riding.

What do you dirt girls suggest??? How do I really get into this?

[rocknrollgirl]

Ha Ha Ha........

I would suggest that you find some other trail buddies. I have found that I ride much more freely when I am on somebody else's wheel. I don't think, I just ride.

Your skills will build with saddle time. Early in my career, I read everything I could get my hands on as far as body postion and technique, and then went out and practiced, and had fun.

Also when I got a fs bike, I was able to ride downhill wil more gusto by letting the bike do its job too. It is meant to handle that type of terrain.

Mt biking is without a doubt the most fun I have ever had, and I come from a background of serious climbing, triathlons, skiing....

I love it....glad you are getting hooked.
Welcome to the fold.

Ruth

[Crankin]

I felt the same way as you last year, when I first got my FS mtb. But, a few weeks ago, I decided to be give it another try. Having the FS bike allows you to go over just about anything, except really big logs. I am starting out by going slowly, but practicing the technical skills. I also love being in the woods, but I would not give up road cycling. Mtb is a whole other skill set, but it's a great complement to road cycling. I spend a lot of time screaming, but it's fun and a real feeling of accomplishment when you're done.

[ChainsOflove]

Hi Robyn
I see you are from concord! Actually I was messing around at the Harold Parker forest last week, which has got me intrigued. I agree with you I'd NEVER give up the road bike,but I really like going to the parks.

I can really see how you need FS, and need to be lower to the ground. I'm going to nose around for a beginner mountain bike, I think prob a cannondale.

thanks for the words of encouragement!

[bcipam]

I think of it this way - when I'm riding "road" I'm a serious adult cyclist, concious of my surroundings, intent on training...

When I riding my mountain bike, I'm 10 years old and riding and jumping and whooping and having a ball. I love to mountain bike! Plus there's the added beauty of trails, trees, birds, butterflies, wildflowes, wild life etc. Enjoy, take your time and learn some skills.