Encouragement for newbies
I just wanted to say to you girls starting out, keep at it and you can do it! I started riding my mtb in March after way too many years of being an inactive mom who sat and watched my kids do sports. Tired of being out of shape, I dusted off my entry level hardtail, lubed up the chain, and started riding on the road to build up my cardio. In May I met a group of women who ride locally and started riding with them. They kicked my butt uphills and left me in the dust on the downs, but always waited and encouraged me as they showed me the ropes. I've ridden 3x a week all summer with them. A month ago I was able to buy a full sus bike that I loved so much I almost took to bed with me.:D
Today I rode with one of my friends on a trail we rode when I first started. I climbed (almost) all the hills and was able to talk at the same time. I tore down twisty rutted singletrack and was able to manuever every switchback. I bombed the fireroad and hit 30 mph.And I didn't fall once. When we got through I realized what I have accomplished this summer.
I'm 43 and although that's not too old I'm not exactly a spring chicken. I just wanted to share my little story for those of you just starting out, or maybe thinking about it. You go girl!