Yes! Finally enjoyed a ride!

[Aggie_Ama]

I have been struggling with a love/hate realtionship with the mountain bike since DH got his new FS Bike. I try and try but I am so scared. My depth perception is terrible so tight singletrack can induce a full on panic attack. Downhills aren't much better since I have to try to go up the other side. Then there is the pedals, I am use to loose tension road pedals and not accustom to having to use any effort to get out like I have to on my mountain pedals.

YEsterday we went out for another go at the dirt. I didn't even want to go but I did. Something magical happened on the trail, I started to get it! First we did a narrow trail but unlike the ones we had tried before this one was mostly flat and I felt more in control because I was determining the speed by pedaling instead of rolling downhill. In no time I was going between trees, I did almost every one and only walked one and then a downhill.

Later I went down I creek drop I have walked everytime (although I had to walk up the technical uphill) and down a hill I had walked earlier. That hill was rocky, had a root drop and was fast. I was squeeling with delight. I really feel comfortable on this one park's trail and can't wait to go again. DH was of course beaming at the fun I had.

[Irulan]

Yay!! Glad you are having fun.

Suggestion, really loosen up those SPDs ( if that's what you are using) It should not require a lot of effort or thought to get out of them. Also, make sure they are well lubed. I'm a very experienced rider and I keep mine so loose that I will pop out in very rough situations.

[limewave]

Yay! I'm glad you had a good time! Once you get a few rides under your belt, your confidence will grow. Especially when you tackle sections of the trail that you struggled with the first few times around.

[Aggie_Ama]

Yay!! Glad you are having fun.

Suggestion, really loosen up those SPDs ( if that's what you are using) It should not require a lot of effort or thought to get out of them. Also, make sure they are well lubed. I'm a very experienced rider and I keep mine so loose that I will pop out in very rough situations.

I am riding Crank Brothers Candys but I am thinking of swapping them with the Crank Brothers Smarty pedals on my commuter. The Smarty seems easier to disengage. I have to see if the Candys can be adjusted because I really like my yellow pedals on the bike.

[indigoiis]

I am so glad I am not alone in that feeling. I was torn between wanting to attack the trail on Saturday (the "beginner's" trail - ???! Beginning what - of torture???) and of being afraid and frustrated. I am glad the clipless we put on the night before didn't work out (wrong cleats) and that DH had brought a pair of platforms just in case, because I don't know how I could have done that clipped in. I walked a lot of the rooty, rocky upgrades. I fell twice. It was fun and exhilerating but I wonder how compelled I am to do it again. I guess I just got to get out there and keep doing it until I get it.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am still doing some "cross training" (my term for walking) on the trail but I am trying more things. There is no shame in walking and I get back on as soon as possible. This was the first one I enjoyed from start to finish, so it will happen for you I think.

I am still not confident but it helps that I had fun. I do some riding with only one foot clipped in, it is more efficient than no clip but I feel I can bail out easier. It works for me for now.

This was probably my 10th attempt at mountain biking, I had only one ride where I didn't cry out of frustration/panic/fear before this one.

[bluebug32]

Awesome!!! Mtbing isn't easy. I took a group of beginners out last week (men and women) and I had forgotten what a learning curve it was as they fell over and even went over the bars. You just really have to stick with it and know that your confidence and skills will come in time. Some knee pads or elbow pads always helped my confidence and first, and now it really helps me to go back and try something again after it psyched me out the first time. Good luck! Have fun!

[lovelylibrarian]

I am still doing some "cross training" (my term for walking) on the trail

I love that! I think I may have to borrow that term from you.