1st actual mtb ride

[bounceswoosh]

Congrats!

Don't worry, if you keep riding your mountain bike, the scars will come =P

(I kid, I kid! Although I certainly have a nice one on my left elbow ... from a ride at a beginner clinic, of all things!)

[Tabby]

Miranda,

Good deal, I'm new too (since April), just keep riding. I've had a couple great mentors take me out, did a mtb clinic by-women-for-women (highly recommended), and I'm having a blast. Sunday I road the trail by myself, which I found surprisingly very enjoyable vs. a group ride. I didn't feel I was holding anyone up, didn't feel pressured to push my comfort zone and got a whole new perspective of the trail. Then last night, I rode that same trail w/one guy, let him lead and I felt a new confidence. While chasing him, I pushed myself enough to know I was pushing yet feeling very confident. Yet when those freaky fears popped up I brought it back down It was a great ride!

Oh, and I wear my bruises and scars as merit badges!!! One cracked rib in early May ... bones heal!!

Keep us updated on your progress!

PJ

[Miranda]

Thx ladies. Yes, some sort of clinic would help me I'm sure. I was a bit scared of being injured out alone, but I did like not being rushed. I had a couple sets of guys come up behind me on the trail, and I just pulled off best I could and told them to pass. I thought maybe it was my roadie car sense that said "get over and let those fast moving things go on!".

[bounceswoosh]

It took me a long time to try riding alone. Now, probably 80% or more of my mountain bike rides are alone. I like it a lot -- I don't feel pressured to hurry, and I'm more "in the moment" in a lot of ways. When I'm alone, I make sure I ride trails that are some appropriate mix of "familiar / doable" and "well-populated".

[Tabby]

Thx ladies. Yes, some sort of clinic would help me I'm sure. I was a bit scared of being injured out alone, but I did like not being rushed. I had a couple sets of guys come up behind me on the trail, and I just pulled off best I could and told them to pass. I thought maybe it was my roadie car sense that said "get over and let those fast moving things go on!".

Miranda,

At the clinic I went to, it was suggested that we attach a whistle to the shoulder strap of our camelback. That way if you are out alone, fall, and can't even reach around for a cell phone or get cell signal, blowing the whistle will signal someone sooner or later. I thought it a great idea!

I'm a new rider this year and not very fast rider and tend to be a bit 'brakey' so I've learned as proper trail etiquette to pull over to the right as soon as I can safely on the trail for riders who want to pass.

PJ