New to MTB

[Pascale]

I've been riding road for several years, but I'm new to MTBing this year - I've been on my bike under 10 times and do just fine on beginner trails. However, I have no idea how to deal with things like logs, large rocks, etc. It's a stupid question, but where do people learn this stuff? I'm very slow, the single tracks make me nervous, I enjoy it as long as I'm riding at a pretty slow rate. I'm in the Twin Cities area.

FYI, I'm almost 46 years old.....not some young, fearless thang

[crazycanuck]

oooo another one comes to the dirt..ooooo

There are heaps of links on the mtb section
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=38813

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=37997

Does your area have a mtn bike club? Perhaps they have skills days???

Core strength, balance and hydration are some important things for you to remember.

[Pascale]

Thank you!!! I love this place

[hebe]

I like the look of those links - thank you!

[jessmarimba]

Logs, large rocks, etc are things I learned in a skills class. Ned Overend's book also gives some really good explanations (with pictures) if you're someone who can read that sort of thing and translate to doing it.

I can't even remember how I really learned to ride, but the most important thing to remember is that you can always get off and walk! There's no harm in a trial run on a trail that you think is over your head - walk what you can't/shouldn't ride, and if it turns out that the whole thing is too tough you can always just turn around and go back. You may find that you can ride more than you would expect! I would chat with someone in your LBS and see if they can recommend some local singletrack that's easier.

[limewave]

I like to ride up and down the curbs at my house. Then build up to riding down a few steps at the library or public school. I try to find little obstacles near my house so that when I'm on the single track and come to an obstacle, I'm not as nervous.

The best thing to do, is just try riding it. Go for it. I think you'll find most things are very ridable, you just need to trust your bike to do the work.