terrified of hills

[RoadRaven]

Yeah, I brake into corners like I would with a car... do most or all of my braking BEFORE the corner so I am slowed enough to get around it with no brakes, or perhaps justa light feathering.
Do not want the tyres to lock up.

As for hills... going up them bothers me more than down - however, that wasn't the case when I first began. I was always a bit worried about downhills and would sit on the brakes to make sure I didn't go over 20-25kph.

My hands and forearms would be aching by the time I reached the bottom.

With time and confidence and really knowing my bikes I corner downhill at 30kph, and on straights I go downhill pushing 70kph.

But its confidence and practice that has done that (two years of it) so get to know your bike, your ability and your hills and it will become easy.

[DirtDiva]

That's exactly it: brake in and accelerate out. Just don't get to the corner at full speed and then brake unless you're really confident about your bike handling skills.