I'm always last! It sucks!

[tattiefritter]

I like to do other things as well (climbing, running, hill walking) and also get bored if I ride all the time....BUT...the only way to get better at riding is to ride, there is no easy way round it unfortunately.

I tend to MTB more than anything else because:

a) I actually really enjoy it, the better I get, the more I do
b) I've spent a fortune on my bikes
c) Most of my friends bike, some bike only, its easier to organise.

However this weekend I'm going for a long walk in the Lakes

If you don't ride frequently unless you are talented then it will take you a long time to improve - bike fitness/handling is something that is built up over time, years in fact (sorry). I've been riding MTB for 3.5 years now and am no longer at the back on either the climbs or descents but it took lots of bike time. I also ride to work - now a 40 mile round trip - once or twice a week and this helps immensely.

Try not to let being at the back get to you, I know its difficult, have been there myself. Also try not to compare yourself to you OH as blokes are generally stronger/faster/more fearless/reckless than us girls. In my normal riding group I'm fairly near the front on descents, further back on climbs (lots of blokes) but I went on a bike holiday to Spain where it was all guys and they were fit and fast so I was right off the back again - just gritted my teeth and got on with it (didn't let the negativity gremlins get to me).

Have you thought about maybe getting some MTB skills coaching to help break you out of your negative thinking, a weekend in the Lakes with CycleActive or similar ? It will give you confidence and sometimes confidence is worth as much if not more than fitness - I've watched someone in our riding groups confidence yo-yo on a regular basis and with it their enjoyment and ability - fitness stays the same. A group of us got together and hired a couple of the CycleActive guides for a weekend who taught us manuals, trackstands, bunnyhops etc which I still practice now. My riding improved quite a bit after that weekend. There was quite a wide spread of ability and everyone struggled with at least something but the guides managed to sort everyone out. Its also easier to take guidance from someone who you have paid rather than taking advice from your OH or friends.