Yes! Finally enjoyed a ride!

[Aggie_Ama]

Yay!! Glad you are having fun.

Suggestion, really loosen up those SPDs ( if that's what you are using) It should not require a lot of effort or thought to get out of them. Also, make sure they are well lubed. I'm a very experienced rider and I keep mine so loose that I will pop out in very rough situations.

I am riding Crank Brothers Candys but I am thinking of swapping them with the Crank Brothers Smarty pedals on my commuter. The Smarty seems easier to disengage. I have to see if the Candys can be adjusted because I really like my yellow pedals on the bike.

[indigoiis]

I am so glad I am not alone in that feeling. I was torn between wanting to attack the trail on Saturday (the "beginner's" trail - ???! Beginning what - of torture???) and of being afraid and frustrated. I am glad the clipless we put on the night before didn't work out (wrong cleats) and that DH had brought a pair of platforms just in case, because I don't know how I could have done that clipped in. I walked a lot of the rooty, rocky upgrades. I fell twice. It was fun and exhilerating but I wonder how compelled I am to do it again. I guess I just got to get out there and keep doing it until I get it.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am still doing some "cross training" (my term for walking) on the trail but I am trying more things. There is no shame in walking and I get back on as soon as possible. This was the first one I enjoyed from start to finish, so it will happen for you I think.

I am still not confident but it helps that I had fun. I do some riding with only one foot clipped in, it is more efficient than no clip but I feel I can bail out easier. It works for me for now.

This was probably my 10th attempt at mountain biking, I had only one ride where I didn't cry out of frustration/panic/fear before this one.

[bluebug32]

Awesome!!! Mtbing isn't easy. I took a group of beginners out last week (men and women) and I had forgotten what a learning curve it was as they fell over and even went over the bars. You just really have to stick with it and know that your confidence and skills will come in time. Some knee pads or elbow pads always helped my confidence and first, and now it really helps me to go back and try something again after it psyched me out the first time. Good luck! Have fun!

[lovelylibrarian]

I am still doing some "cross training" (my term for walking) on the trail

I love that! I think I may have to borrow that term from you.

[obie]

Hey, great!
You know, after lots of not-total-confidence in being clipped in, I switched to platform pedals on Sunday. So, so great! I have so much more confidence now, and I love it!
Just wanted to put in that thought, because I just never felt comfortable being fully clipped in, even with loose SPDs.

Plus, my platforms are bright blue - it makes me happy just looking at them!

[Aggie_Ama]

Yesterday DH and I went out to the same old trail. I was feeling pretty good about my improved bike handling in the tight spots so I did it, I told him I would return to the BMX loop. This loop really freaked me out the only other time I did it, I had a full blown panic attack. Bawling, shaking, paralyzed with fear. It was not pretty. But we have done more tight riding and cornering and I felt better. I was able to do all but two climbs of the loop. I almost made it to the first rooty climb summit and I was too horrified to look at "The Wall" at the end. It sure wasn't any easier to walk up though!

I also made it halfway up the climb I crashed on. Just a ways past my crash point. I think not bailing before the climb was a huge victory. Next time I will show it who is boss.

One frustrating thing yesterday was I just couldn't cross this thing called the rock bridge. It is just a tiny drop and then up with big ol' rocks in the middle. I have done it everytime but yesterday I tried three times and couldn't. I just kept missing the easier line. It was frustrating but I just took my victories and went home happy.

I am still fighting these stupid pedals. I am just going to have to give up and let my husband put his old Times on my bike to try. If I like those I have to get new shoes for commuting, oh darn!

[sundial]

I am still fighting these stupid pedals. I am just going to have to give up and let my husband put his old Times on my bike to try. If I like those I have to get new shoes for commuting, oh darn!

Aggie, congrats on your progress. It sounds like you are really getting the hang of it.

About the pedals.....if you are still unsure about using SPD's on the trail, consider a BMX platform pedal until you get the hang of the techniques than maybe switch back. Just a thought.

You know, for Christmas you may need a helmet cam so we can watch your ride on You Tube.

[alleyoop]

You are doing great!

You know, MTB has been a kind of two-steps-forward, one-step-back sort of deal for me, too. I will have some sucesses and then all of a sudden freak out on stuff that I had been able to do before. Maybe it is just the nature of learning the sport, I guess. Hang in there! I have ridden with you and seriously, you are rockin' it! Focas on the obstacles that you ARE doing and just try to enjoy the trail a bit.

I had an AWESOME ride with my DH yesterday that I thought we should do. We started at the Hill of Life, some great downhill practice (which is what scares me, so it is good for me). But then we rode the upper green belt, which is pretty, nearly smooth, quiet and a lovely easy ride. Of course, you have to end with going UP the Hill of Life. But in some ways, it is so hard it is just comical. A nice walk. We should try it!

Are you going to the Nut tonight for RLAG?