Thinking about trail riding

[MollyJ]

I really love my road bike. But I have thought about how it might be cool to try trail riding, something more off road. I have a nice hybrid bike that lets me ride in town and on some gravel. So that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about going out to a lake or some trails.

So I don't really know any trail riders. I know the ideal is go out with some one who is doing it and try it with them.

Also if I were looking at Trek type bikes for this purpose, what do people like.

I am a sturdy but not fast road bike rider. I did 40 miles yesterday. But my son took me on a hike on hiking trails that doubled as bike trails and I couldn't help but think how biking that might be really cool.

So am I strong enough? I'm 58 years old. what questions should I be asking?

And please if this topic is previously hashed out, link me to those threads.

[thekarens]

I know xc mountain bikers in their 70s. Just start with easier trails.

[thekarens]

I'll tell you the advice that made the most difference for me and mountain biking, that's to get out of the saddle. When you go over roots or rocks or whatever get out of the saddle and let the bike move under you and let your arms and legs be the shocks.

I'm no great rider, but that made a world of difference in things I was willing to ride and my confidence level.

[Irulan]

I'm 55, and I teach mountain biking. 10% of the gals that show up for the weekly ladies rides are over 50. So don't let the age thing get in your way. I will build on what thekarens said: take a skills class. You will not regret it. It will save you a lot of frustration, help with confidence and make you a safer rider.

[MollyJ]

Thank you to everyone that replied. It's all good stuff. Irulan, I live in the middle of KS. Where might one attend a "skills" class? Are they usually offered through bike clubs or local bike stores? Just a starting spot...

[ny biker]

My LBS has some skills classes and beginner rides. We also have a mountain bike club in this area, but it doesn't look like there are any in Kansas, at least none affiliated with IMBA.

https://www.imba.com/partners/chapter-and-club

[Irulan]

a quick google "mountain bike club kansas" brings up five different organizations.
add "skills" to the string and this pops right up:
http://www.meetup.com/The-Wheel-Cycl...nts/168785572/
it may not be current but these things aren't hard to find.
I'd check each organization's web site for women's rides, events, classes, clinics
If you don't see what you want, email the club and ask. Not all volunteer organizations are organized.

edit: wow, Earthriders has a ladies' only forum, how about that!