Welcome to the world of mountain biking!

My only piece of advice is: dont let your significant other teach you how to ride UNLESS he has experience teaching. There isn't anything more frustrating in the world than having valuable lessons such as: just follow me....oh don't worry about the descent just keep your weight back...ummmmm GAH!!!

i don't know what your fitness level is or what kind of terrain you will be riding, but mountain biking can be a real eye opener. It is a lot of fun, and a great challenge. The hardest part for someone to teach someone else is that they forget what it was like to be a beginner. Especially for guy. Guys tend to do all sorts of tricks since they were 5, where we gals were tied up with dollies and such. Have patience and believe in yourself. You will love mountain biking. Expect to fall. you will learn to love every bruise and scrape on your body.

my three pieces of advice for people learning to ride:
1) momentum is your friend
2) yep, keep that weight back
3) dont think so much.

Good luck and have fun!

hannah