First time to step it up ... argh!

[Tabby]

omg! I started riding this year and have been riding on trails good for beginners and family friendly. Good rides that still kept me challenged a bit but feeling kinda confident. Last night I thought I'd join a ladies ride closer to home on a trail considered intermediate to slightly above.

The ladies were great padding me along ... but I was totally humbled AND totally beat up! It was only a 6 mile trail, full of roots, lots of bridges (which are my nemisis anyway), still it was fun! In between the technical stuff, there wasn't enough space for me to kinda build back my confidence, keeping me constantly feeling beat. I walked a lot of the trail, especially from half way, when I really felt tired. There's no shame in walking what you're not comfortable with, but I really need that skills course this weekend!!

I want to get my beginner trail for a couple rides to rebuild my confidence before I try that again. Intermediate beat me up once, but it won't keep me down. I'll get it next time!!!

[sundial]

It gets a little easier each time. I found that going the opposite direction on a trail will make it less challenging and will boost confidence.

[Tabby]

How so?