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!