Emily, I hearby welcome you to Club Dirt. I sometimes feel I didn't try hard enough if I didn't crash!

I know the feeling well because I still consider myself a newbie. Learning to relax on new terrain is tough because Trekhawk is right - it's a combination of terror and exhiloration. Try not to keep a death grip on your bike. Let yourself become "one" with the bike and don't fight it (kind of like I always thought riding a horse would feel like). If there's a bike club that does rides that's a great way to find some extra expertise on the trails.

You don't have to bite it all off at once. Practise certain skills each time. Logs and rocks one night, steep descents another. Remember to breath and have fun!

Keep us posted on your progress - look at how much progress you've made already!