Quote Originally Posted by emily_in_nc
Agree about the mileage too - just don't want to hurt myself not having a clue what I am doing on the trail!
MTB riding is all about shifting, braking and balance (or body position)--how and when to do these things in what situations. When I started out I borrowed every book I could from the local library. There are also some good sites on the internet if you do a search. Take a look at mtbr.com. I've found some helpful things on that discussion board. And ride with as many people as you can. Everyone can teach you something. The more you ride, the more you can ask specific questions and get specific answers. And trust me that technique is very, very important. I have a friend who started out on a road bike, loves speed, and spent the first year of her mountain biking life beat up from falling so much. She learned the hard way that it's a totally different game from the road. Speed will come as you learn, but focus on technique now. Some of the best beginning advice I received: NEVER do something until you are ready to do it. You'll know when you're ready to push and challenge yourself at the level needed to attempt a certain obstacle. There is no harm nor shame in walking a section that makes you uncomfortable. Second best advice: the bike will go over just about anything, RELAX and let it do it's job. Momentum is your friend. Most of all--HAVE FUN!