Riding my first trail...

So...I must share my experience of riding my first mountain bike trail. I'm as new as they get when it comes to newbies. My boyfriend got me a Slingshot, apparently this is some HOT bike, that anyone who knows anything would admire?? So over the winter I got a traininer, started to ride inside to get in shape but it's incredibly unmotivating to ride on that thing, you have to admit.

So this past Saturday I had the chance to actually gear up and get on my first trail. Holy Crap!!! Not only am I very competitive and hate when I can't excel at something (I completely understand that I have not trained nearly enough but it still doesn't matter) but I am afraid of heights and joke that I will fall and a twig will go through my cheek!

Well, I only fell once. I couldn't get my shoe unclipped....I've read all the threads about that so I was actually proud I only fell once.

I had no idea that on the trails you barely have enough room to go between trees planted on both sides of the trail..what were they thinking!! :-)

Then the fear of heights....I had no idea as well there would be incredible hills will drop offs and such...right next to the trail! The slightest mistake off course I could have easily went right over the hill! Geez!

Nonetheless...my boyfriend was incredibly supportive and was there anytime I needed him. I will admit I walked some of it.

I just couldn't see myself full speed down a hill only to then turn 90 degrees and dodge 1/2 a dozen trees.

I completely understand the thrill of it all...although I have yet to experience the actual thrill but I get where people could really get an adrenaline high from riding trails. I think I have the fear thing down pat but I'm not ready to hang up the bike yet...I will get out there again....so wish me luck!!

Any pointers?

A Slingshot eh? I've never seen one of these, I'll have to admit, but it looks pretty neat. Sounds like you're on the right path to getting your feet wet with the mountain biking! You'll know you've arrived when you look at those tight turns and instead of thinking "oh sh**" you think "weeeee." And awesome job on your clipping in/out, I'm still not there :)

Wow...first bike is a sligshot, that's pretty nice! Just take your time on the trails to get the hang of the bike...shifting, carrying momentum, balance of front and rear brake, etc. The confidence will come with time in the saddle. Not sure of the build on your bike, but one thing I found nice for Michigan riding was getting a narrow handlebar. Many females have narrow shoulders so a narrower bar is more comfortable and helps getting between the tight trees!

Lets see a picture of the bike!

I LOVED my Slingshot! I rode and raced it for a couple of years back in the 90s. Very sad that I don't have it anymore. Definitely enjoy it!

SheFly

congrats on the first ride and first bike!

just keep on getting out there! the fear thing goes away. my good friend and i started riding about the same time a couple years ago. we were hauling through a pretty technical section a week ago and shouting back and forth: "remember when we couldn't get up this rock?!!!?!?" and "remember when we were too scared to try this part?!?!?" and "remember when we SUCKED?!?!" :D

now we don't even think about it. our wheels just roll right over stuff we used to think was impossible.

so, moral of the story: the training wheels fall off soon enough. keep it up!

It sounds like you're off to a great start! I'd recommend starting with some easier trails (e.g., less steep hills, no drop-offs to the side) to build your confidence. The stuff you're describing sounds challenging even to many who have a lot more hours on the bike than you do!

Good luck and have fun!

Congrats on your first trail!

There are all sorts of mountain biking trails -- some have dropoffs, some don't. Some are very narrow with trees blocking you in, some aren't. Etc =) Sometimes the people who introduce us to mountain biking don't necessarily have a good perspective on what constitutes a good starter trail for you. You might visit a LBS and ask around for "newbie" trails.

Sounds like you did great for your first ride. I think I walked more of my first trail than I rode =P And I think it's great that you walked what you weren't comfortable riding. There will come a day when that part will feel do-able, and it will be. No need to rush it.

If you ever drive up to the metro Detroit area, I'd recommend Island Lake state park- it's a good trail for beginners. Even though we have great trails in Seattle I still think Island Lake is one of my faves :)

Don't ever worry about walking - take it at your speed so it remains enjoyable! and keep it up, perserverence is all it takes.

Trust me about the walking, I advanced to an expert mountain bike racer, but I still get off and walk sometimes. I'm 48, what do I have to prove!

Have a great time, that is what it is all about

spoke