Body Armour

[nerdgirl]

It is really not necessary to buy body gear for standard mountain biking. I think it just gets in the way, its heavy, expensive and hot. The only thing that has ever given me confidence is riding more singletrack, riding with people who are better than me (watching them do difficult sections) and learning more about the techniques used in mountain biking.

Examine the situations when you hit the dirt. Think about what happended, why did it happen and how could you have approached it differently? And if your not sure of something, dismount and walk it. Then you can determine if you want to ride it or move on to the next thing. Good luck.

That's exactly how I ride. Great advice! Last crash, I knew it was going to happen right before it did, and at the time, there was nothing I could do to prevent it. I actually laughed afterwards simply because I knew what I did to cause it, even though I ended up with a bloody arm and a bruised rib. However, I see it as all part of the learning process. I ignored the bruised rib and rode again a couple days later, and that time, I went right through that spot no problem, because I knew what needed to be done.

I exclusively ride singletrack with my boyfriend, who is an advanced rider. It's very hilly, winding, and rocky. I always have him go in front of me and watch what he does and where he goes. I feel like I'm getting lessons, and also I know what hazards, if any, are coming because I see him do it first!

Gravity is a harsh mistress, though, and now that I am nursing a horribly painful bruised rib, I am somewhat considering some body armor, especially since I am doing some challenging dowhill. Only trouble is, I'm rather well-endowed but have a narrow waist, so finding the right size seems impossible. I'm considering trying mens. As smart as I try to ride, a little extra padding might prevent another bruised rib. I am realistic and know that if I continue to challenge myself so I can progress, there will always be crashes from time to time