How to get started/learn to MTB?

[ehm]

Hi! I have a mountain bike which I used for casual trail rides in the past. I just relocated to beautiful Southern Arizona! I would like to learn how to mountain bike. On some regional mtb web- site postings I saw that I just missed a series of MTB 101 classes. But, I can't seem to find any upcoming training opportunities. Does anyone know of any nearby workshops, course series or have other suggestions? Someone I met recently, just told me about a mtb beginners loop to ride . But, I'm not sure if its a good idea to go by myself --you know -what if I take the wrong loop there and get lost in the desert !!?!

Thanks.

[Artista]

How far south are you? Someone posted here back in January about women's mtb rides near Phoenix. It's not clear whether the rides are still going on but you could contact the poster for more info.

[indysteel]

There is a Betterride clinic in Sedona in November and one in Phoenix in December. You might post your question on MTBR.com's Arizon subforum to see if anyone there knows of other clinics or programs in or near your area. Or you might seek out a local coach for a private lesson or two.

I really do recommend a clinic or lesson as the way to start. Some people can pick it up intuitively I suppose, but I benefited from some basic instruction. There are some books on the market and some resources on the Web, too.

[katherine]

Are you in Tucson? Tucson has some great bike shops, you might check with them for beginner rides.

[Irulan]

There are some great getting started videos on youtube ( try Free Ride Fundamentals, the pricipals are the same for any kind of mountain biking)
Books : Mastering MTB Skills by Lopes/McCormack and the one by Ned Overend

for starters.

[Catrin]

I second the recommendation to find a clinic if at all possible. If it is in your budget you can also find a certified coach to give you a one-on-one session. I did this last year after I attended a clinic and found it quite helpful. I hope to do the same later this season, but time will tell.

Welcome to TE!

[ny biker]

I'm partial to this video:

http://wildflowermtb.com/

and not just because I'm in it. It has some good skill drills.

[Desert Tortoise]

Where about in So. AZ? In the Tucson area there are lots of good instructors and clubs.

Have you ever ridden in desert trails? If you are not familiar with riding on desert trails, I suggest you first go out with someone who is experienced. It's not to scare you, just familiarize yourself with the lanscape.