Great post. I've been mountain biking for 4 months now and I'm learning that I can do a lot more than I thought. I just try my best and when I can't make it up long hills, I walk. I'm improving my cardio and my skills on the bike.

As for going downhill, how do you get over the fear? That's my biggest issue. I'm going to get some protection for my legs and arms to help my confidence but I get so frightened on steep downhills instead of just letting go and letting my bike do the work. How do you do it?

Quote Originally Posted by limewave View Post
Learning to go downhill. I had some guys following me at one of the races, they could have easily passed me on the flats, but they were so impressed with my downhill skills that they wanted to follow me (that, or I have a nice rear). I have much faster times just because I have learned to descend and use my brakes minimally--if at all.