Lots of good advice on this thread for another beginner with a great bike (same Titus Racer X), hoping to become a better rider. I went to a mtb camp this weekend at Coyote Hill in Vermont. Learned lots and got to practice some skills in a series of practice drills and then out onto some varied single track. Had LOTS of falls. Some were because I was pushing my limits and some were because I just couldn't seem to get my *^&% left foot off the pedal to catch myself! I experienced a lot of frustration...a few tears, but took away some more experience and things to work on.

One of the most important things I need to work on is the slow-speed balance stuff. Most of my falls happen on up hill technical stuff (except for the failed log-clearing crash). It was pointed out to me that if I could improve my slow-speed balance I would have more time to pick my line on the technical stuff, and could probably choose when to unclip and save myself from a fall, if necessary. I tend to get so focused on getting thorugh a section that I'm not prepared to bail when I need to.

I also need to work on climbing out of the saddle in a higher gear. I sometimes get into too low a gear and then end up losing momentum.

We did some practice of shifting our weight on the bike, not just forward and back, but also side to side, which really helped me with downhill cornering.

The falling-down stuff can be really confidence-depleting, and I came home with lots of bruises and probably a cracked rib But I still love it!! And I am looking forward to working on the dance some more.

Thanks to everyone for all your advice and encouragement to us newbies!

Linda