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