I'm really thrilled to see so many women kicking butt after working inside on spinning this winter. I'm having the same experience (even though my riding season is winter).

I've become a better climber because my endurance is so much better since I started spinning. Also, I've learned to "glide" over rocks by using a large gear so that my feet do not scrape rocks.
The guys...well, I'm finding that they are climbing much slower than I'd like to go these days. I can't pass them on an up-hill single track, but, I'd love to yell out "on your left" and just do it if the terrain would permit.

I'm having a hell of a good time since my endurance and skill level has risen...just practice and spin so far.

Thanks for the tip on body gear, Irulan. I'm ready to take on the downhills. Any tips on riding in deep sand down hill? I've only had one experience with a long down hill grade that was all sand...and deep, too. The 50 Year Trail in the Catalina Mts. north of Tucson...anyone tired it? (we actually had to walk up the sand because no one could ride it).
Terry