Caligurl, you sound like me. I like being out on the trails, in nature, etc. But i find mtb so draining and scary. I know if i practiced more, it might come easier, but I am not a very daring person. Everything around here is pretty much single track, rocky, big ups and downs. Part of me says keep trying and another part of me says this is crazy for someone my age. I don't mind the small crashes, I've had plenty of bruises, but thankfully, I've never gone over the bars; either dumb luck or I am listening to my husband say "get your a-- off the seat, or I'm walking down the hill. I do feel guilty about the $1500 mtb I bought. On the other hand, my husband doesn't use his very much either.