newbie with lots to learn!

[mtbmargie]

Hello all! I'm a newbie here ready to take on the world of biking! Just thought I would introduce myself and see if anyone has any first words of wisdom for me. My boyfriend is into mountain biking and I've always wanted to get into it. So I took my first step (after tons of research and test rides.. finding a bike for a short 5ft tall female was difficult) and bought a new bike, Trek, just last week. Still waiting for it to come in... seems like forever! I'm just so excited to get on and ride. I'm really into hiking and being outdoors so i've riden occasionally on REALLY simple dirt trails with my 12yr old Diamondback (no suspension whatsoever... really takes a toll on your body). With my natural need to do what the big boys are doing I decided to invest in a Trek. As winter approaches and it starts to get darker ealier, riding will be limited after work. Any suggestions on how to get acclimated with mnt biking? I know there is a spinning class at my gym, would that be better to train with than other types of cardio? Also, any suggestions on how to learn more about the technicality of mtn biking. My bf is full of knowledge but he is much more of a risk taker than i am. Plus I want this to be fun and not a scary miserable experience. Any advice is greatly appreciated! I can't wait to start riding and getting to know all of you! This seems like a great community to be a part of!
-margie

[DirtDiva]

Nice to have you.

You might try posting in the regional forums (scroll down to the bottom of the front page and you'll find 'em) and see if there's anyone in your area who's looking for a ride buddy or knows of any good groups to ride with or good beginner-intermediate trails in your area.

I guess my advice about making your first forays into mtbing fun rather than miserable is to only take yourself a little out of your comfort zone at a time: something that scares you a little is way fun once you've completed it successfully, but something that scares a lot is, well, scary! If you think something's going to be tricky, ask someone to show you so you can take a look at how they do it and then practice that section a few times until you're feeling more comfortable - the practice will pay off the next time you come to a tricky bit. It can be pretty motivating to have a particular trail you ride regularly or semi-regularly, especially when you're starting out, because it gives you a good way to gauge progress and it's way kewl when you nail that really tough bit for the first time.

As for the crosstraining? I aways reckon you should do something you enjoy. I don't doubt that a good spin class has some great training benefits, but if you'd rather swim or run or whatever, then do that - you'll still be getting the cardio workout.

Hope that was vaguely helpful. Believe me, you can ask anything in these forums and someone will have a suggestion for ya.

Happy riding!

P.S. One last thing, you might like to take a look at the "Getting to know you" thread at the top of the "Open" forum. You can get to know us all a bit better, and you can tell us a bit more about yourself too, if you like.

[bcipam]

Spin classes are an excellent way to condition for cycling although won't improve your skills for mountain biking (it doesn't hurt however, it's all good). MTB riding is all about technique and strength and the best way to learn all that is to get out and ride. I would start out on flat trails and get comfortable on your bike and then move up to other, more techical trails. Look for hilly trails to climb. The sooner you start riding steep hills the better. Look to see if there is a MTB Club in your area. Some of them might sponser "Newbie" rides and also look for ride clinics. Alot of areas sponser ride clinics to teach skills. Also some of the LBS made have clinics or classes. Do you have friends that mountain bike? Would they be willing to ride with you and coach you? I think most of us learned skills from our friends.

[mtbmargie]

Thanks for those responses! That was helpful guidance for starting out. I did find a trail near my house that is apparently good for beginners learning techniques. I hope I get a chance to get out there. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to ride with. My boyfriend is living in TX at the moment so I can't even go out with him. Looks like I'm on my own! But definitely looking forward to it. I'll definitely look around for clinics but as winter approaches i'm sure my skill learning may have to hold off until spring. Well thank you ladies for your warm welcome and wonderful advice. I hope to hit a trail this weekend... still waiting for my bike. They say it should get in tomorrow... crossing my fingers... toes and eyes! I'll let you guys know how my first riding adventure goes!
Thanks!
-m

[Irulan]

if you can find a group of gals to ride with, I find that's a great way to get comfortable with the sport. It takes you out of the relationship dynamic and keeps you focused on fun and learning.

check out my bike stuff for skills tips.

Irulan

[RoadRaven]

Welcome Margie!
Always glad to hear of another who has caught the cycling craze...

Absolutely try and find at least a buddy who takes the risks you want to take... and ride with bf sometimes, and with buddy as well... the things people say offer so much

of course, this forum is a wealth of wisdom - the women here are so supportive and share their experiences and realities... its marvellous!

[mtbmargie]

Thanks RoadRaven and Irulan! I finally got my new bike last Thursday. The weather was beautful all weekend down here and was able to take my new baby out for a spin. I spent Saturday getting used to the clipless pedals and just getting accustomed to being on a bike... only fell twice Then Sunday I went out to an easy mtb trail about 6miles long. I'm proud to say I got through it! I only had to walk up one hill but the others I tackled hardcore. I'm super excited after my first ride. I can't wait to go on more! Definitely bit by the bug See you all around the forums!

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Margie...

One of the best bits of advice I got on this forum was regarding clip-in pedals (I refuse to call them clipless and am staging my own revolution!)...

But the advice is...

Always unclip yourself on the same side, get in that habit so it becomes locked in your muscle memory, and as you put your foot down, always turn your wheel away from your free foot...

Your bike will always try and lean into the unclipped foot if you turn the wheel away from it, and because it is leaning into you, you will not topple toward the ground on the clipped in side...

Haven't fallen when unclipping myself since! Just brilliant!

[SadieKate]

Always unclip yourself on the same side,

I agree with all the technique to unclipping. Very good advice.

However, mtbikers need to be able to do it on both sides. Sometimes there is nothing under that side of the bike or you want to have the inside foot out in a turn or . . . geez, you're already falling that way.

[RoadRaven]

LOL... sorry... I forget about mountain bikes having clip-in pedals...

I ride my Black Thunder and it has none... and even though having read here NUMEROUS times about MB's having clip-in pedals, because I haven't done it I forget.

Apologies Margie... I guess my advice should be shortened... forget always the same leg, and remember always turn your front wheel (even just a tiny bit is enough) away from the side you have freed your foot from...

[mtbmargie]

Not a problem RoadRaven. I've already experienced not relying on just one side.... as SadieKate described it prefectly.. I was already falling on one side and didn't get out on time. ouch! but i got up and got back on... a couple seconds of pain and brusing won't ruin hours upon hours of fun on a bike!