MTBers of TE Unite!

[fatbottomedgurl]

Thats the sweetest piece of singletrack! Just wait til you can catch some air like like that! That looks like a great place to learn. And you will. BTW I would rather crash in the dirt than pavement any day of the week

[bcipam]

Just a suggestion... what really helped me get over the "what the H*LL I'm doing on a mountain bike" fear is asked a good friend who is a strong and skillful rider, to take me out and just go over skills with me. We practiced attacking descents, climbing, going over obstacles, negotiating whoop-de-does, etc. Once I realized the bike does most of the work and I'm not going to fall and kill myself, then I got more confidence. More confidence means more speed, more speed means the bike is able to work better etc.

Tell the DH you loved the ride, and want to improve would he mind just spending an hour or two with you reviewing skills before you start a ride. Or if you come across something "scary", stop and ask for him to show you how to attack the "scary", practice it a few times and move on. He'll love and appreciate your enthusiasm.

Stick with the sport - it's just so much fun. And I've learned, even if I fall, I'm less likely to be really injured like a fall on a road bike (dirt and sand can be soft!).

[ima_bleeder]

The trail looks totally fun.

I second fatbottomedgurl, crashing in the dirt hurts a whole lot less than crashing on the pavement. And actually a little spill is pretty freeing. If you're a regular learner (as opposed to someone with freakish natural talent), this won't be your last crash. But you'll get a little better every time you ride, and crash a whole lot less with experience.

I still consider myself something of a newbie ... I'm definitely still learning. And I find myself constantly working on Regina's #3. That's a biggie. Look where you want to go, don't focus on where you don't want to go (like over the side of the hill). And constantly scan the trail! Don't let yourself get so focused on the portion of trail immediately in front of you that you're not prepared for what's right after that section. Your eyes should be scanning near and far, and focusing on the path you want to take.

Another major issues for me: LOOSEN UP! When I get freaked out by the trail I tense my upper body, which makes it really difficult to control the bike. Breathe, smile, and keep your shoulders and arms a little loose.

And the one skill I really improved on this summer (after taking a womens' skills class) was shifting my weight. I don't like messing around with the seatpost while riding. I'm more of a X-country rider, and I don't plan on stopping every 20 minutes to adjust my seat height again for up-hill or down-hill sections. So I've learned how to adjust my center of gravity by moving off and behind the seat when going down the steap stuff. Very freeing.

Every ride is a learning experience for me, and I'm guessing it will be for you as well for quite a while. But it's also more fun than I thought I'd ever have on a bike.

I would also suggest trying out different bikes when you can. I had a mountain bike for several years, and almost never rode it. On my old bike I always felt like I was hanging out over the front wheel, and just about to land on my nose. My new bike just fits me better. I'm feel much more stable and more confident riding it, so I'm also faster and more interested in taking on more challenging sections of trail. Different bikes work for different people, and I'd suggest both trying as many bikes as you can, and thinking about fine-tuning your seating position on your current bike (eg: new stem, shifting your seat forward/back, etc).

Find as many riding partners as you can, and keep on riding! You'll be great in no time!

[madisongrrl]

The best piece of advice that I can give is: MOMENTUM is your friend....

[ClockworkOrange]

WOW..................thoroughly enjoyed the video clip.

Stick with it, practice makes perfect.

Sally

[CyclChyk]

Thanks all of you for your words of encouragement. I will definately check out Ned's book and video. My DH is all for helping me work on my "skill" (or lack thereof) - he is definately the one with the "freakish natural talent" while I on the otherhand, have "freakish natural klutz" syndrome.

I'm not going to give up... yet... I don't like quitting. But geezzz, I hope my confidence builds soon. We are going out again this weekend..... fingers crossed.

[emily_in_nc]

Hi ~ I am like you, a mtb newbie. I started riding dirt this summer after years of road riding, and it was very eye-opening! If you read back through some of the older posts in this forum, you'll find some of my "stinking at single track" queries and more good tips from the experienced gals. I'm still learning and have a LONG way to go before I feel even remotely comfortable on rooty singletrack, downhill switchbacks, etc etc. I've crashed several times, which is scary, but I've recovered with no major issues. I definitely know EXACTLY where you are coming from. There is a fine line between terror and fun on the trails for me!

Although I haven't really experienced it yet, I've been assured that it WILL get better. Let's hope!

Emily

[7rider]

My DH is all for helping me work on my "skill" (or lack thereof) - he is definately the one with the "freakish natural talent" while I on the otherhand, have "freakish natural klutz" syndrome.

Boy, don't I know THAT one!!!
Put my DH on ANYthing - mtb, waterskis, snow skis, windsurfer, whatever, and in 2 minutes, he'll look like he's been doing it all his life! Boy, does that grate me!!

I hope your own DH is not bringing you on "advanced" trails this weekend. Yes, you won't get better if you don't challenge yourself, but I think you need to be at a good comfort level before you can move on. Take things at your pace. Relax and have fun!