How do you get started?

[Irulan]

Definitely go to the clinic. Even if the bike fit is way off, you should still be able to pick up a lot of good general riding tips, skills and confidence.

I need to comment on the saddle position - as a rule of thumb, leg extended but not locked, heel flat. If your toes are pointing down the saddle is too high. Lowering the saddle is for extended descents, descending on technical sections, and dedicated downhill riding. You will have your most efficient climbing with your leg extended, and it's easier on the knees, too. As a rank newbie, don't worry about lowering your saddle unless instructed to do so in your clinic. And no one except crazy downhillers pedal with the saddle lowered all the time.

Irregardless of bike fit, the most important first thing to learn is body position. Probably the biggest difference from road riding is the level of "dynamic" vs "static" in using your body. The #1 thing to learn is that you are most stable with feet level ( 3 & 9) butt out of the saddle, eyes forward, and a relaxed grip. Beginners tend to really glue their bottom to the saddle, and have a death grip on the handle bars. You are more stable in the above described attack, neutral, or ready position because your whole body can act as a shock absorber. You move your weight back off the saddle for descending-this is what a lowered saddle forces you to do.

anyway go have fun and rock those trails

[liberty]

So, in mountain biking, you spend the majority of the time out of the saddle?

I talked my cousin into taking the class with me. We went for a little bitty ride tonight on the local MUT trail. She hasn't been on a bike in years, so she thought it prudent to practice. I did manage to find some off trails that were mainly gravel. Was wierd to sense the bike shifting over the gravel. I went down a grassy slope and shifted my weight behind the saddle without even thinking about it. We shall see.

Hope you gals don't mind if I pester you with questions. It is all very new and interesting. Not looking forward to falling, especially since I am not insured. But I have a good helmet!

[BikerJen]

Go to the clinic. It will be a nice, non-testosterone place to learn about mtb. I was fortunate enough to have understanding male friends when I first got into mtb. Then I took a "repair" class at my bike shop. BUT the best times I've had riding were with my Chicky friends. See if your local bike club(s) have any female only ride nights. I like my road bike, but I'm definitely a mtb rider at heart. Love it!

[Irulan]

So, in mountain biking, you spend the majority of the time out of the saddle?

depends on the trail.
flat, mellow, rolling terrain, no.
climbing, no unless it gets technical and or steep and or power bursts then yes
rock gardens, technical terrain, more yes.
descending, yes

[IntenseRide]

Go...Go...Go

You will learn things from more experienced riders that are important for newbies. Besides, I bet someone there will be able to help you with changing out some parts so the bike will fit you better.

[han-grrl]

Ok, so it seems we are all in agreement...

I teach at a beginner mtb clinic here, and its great to see the beginners progress. Our program offers rentals for those who don't have a proper bike...

Definitely get it fitted properly and looked at to make sure everything is functioning properly...

we cover bike fit at our clinics, but not everyone covers that...its worth asking...

have fun! (i hope you enjoy it!)

hannah

[emily_in_nc]

Liberty,

I agree with the others - go! I would LOVE to go to a women's MTB clinic. I started riding MTB last summer but am still very much an newbie, tho' I have a great bike - XS Titus Racer-X I bought off eBay that fits great! Wish I could find a clinic around these parts!

Let us know all about it!

Emily

[bike4ever]

Emily - Take a road trip and visit St. Louis - you can stay with my family. The clinic is actually run over two days with day two being riding all day.