You have to start somewhere, right?

[sundial]

Did I mention I have terrible depth perecption?

That can certainly account for your anxiety on the mtb. People who don't have depth perception deficits have no idea what it's like for someone who does. It can set someone up for panic attacks in crowded places. Technical trails are even more so to one who can't judge distance. I imagine whizzing in and around trees can be very nerve wracking as well.

Perhaps you can scout out a dirt packed trail that is open to ATV's and horses. These trails are usually wider and in some cases are not very technical. I like to ride on hiking trails in the state parks. Fireroads may be your best friend too as you have fewer obstacles to navigate.

You can always use your mtb on the street to exercise the dogs like I do.

[Tabby]

Aggie,

My first mtb ride I was a frazzled nut case, but I really wanted to learn. After all, if baby sister can do it for 18 years in SoCal, UT and CO, surely I can learn too! I posted on a local online forum as "53 y/o woman who wants to learn from a women". Three ladies, 2 my age, responded and have been incredibly patient and wonderful helping me with my baby steps.

Look for a mtb clinic put on "for women, by women". I live in Columbus, Ohio and I did a clinic 3 weeks ago in SE Michigan, called BOW. It was awesome, and I can't encourage it enough for beginners (like me) to do and for clubs to offer. BOW was unadvertised and sold out with over 65 participants. Check out www.mmba.org to see the pics from the last couple years events. I'm up to ride #8, we've had a rainy spring/summer and the trails close, but I'm getting better each time I go out.

Before the clinic, I made the mistake of joining a ladies ride on an intermediate skill trail and beat myself up something fierce. I'm back to my beginner/family friendly to build my skill before attempting the other trail again. I will go back to it, but want to feel good about my skill level first.

Hang in there, enjoy baby steps, it's funner (that's not really a word) each time.

PJ

[Aggie_Ama]

Well we went again today. I was pretty fatigued from riding my roadie this morning. It was supposed to be a leisurely ride but anyway, I didn't try as many technical things. I still had a great time. I tried one narrow trail but it was all slightly downhill and twisty. I spent most of it cross training (walking).

The best thing I did was sent the boys to the BMX trail and road the fire roads myself. Even found a short trail with a few techincal (fairly easy but not for a beginner) and did those on my own. I am pretty excited to go again.

I also got the green light to take DH's old Mavic Crossmax tires. I am pretty stoked to get new shoes on my bike.

[bounceswoosh]

I tried one narrow trail but it was all slightly downhill and twisty. I spent most of it cross training (walking).

A female downhill racer gave me some great advice: If you're ever not sure you can ride something, walk it. There will come a day when you will approach it and know you can do it, and that's when you ride it.

Sounds like you're doing the right thing =)

[Tabby]

Before the clinic, I made the mistake of joining a ladies ride on an intermediate skill trail and beat myself up something fierce. I'm back to my beginner/family friendly to build my skill before attempting the other trail again. I will go back to it, but want to feel good about my skill level first.

Hang in there, enjoy baby steps, it's funner (that's not really a word) each time.

PJ

Just thought I'd update ... I did a second clinic, though it was not "skills" per se. But for the ride we did the same intermediate trail I did 4 weeks ago that I got beat up on pretty bad ... this time I still got beat up, but not AS bad AND I did obstacles that I walked over the first time I rode there. I'm heading back to my beginner/family friendly trail to again regain my confidence and I'll seek out that intermediate trail for a third time come mid August. Stay tuned ....