no skills

[limewave]

Here is an outline I found that lists basic technique that I found helpful:
http://www.durangomountainbikecamp.c...ls%20Sheet.pdf

I do think a lot xcountry riding is getting comfortable on the bike. I'll practice in my neighborhood. There's a highschool near us that has ramps and stairwells that I will sometimes practice riding on.

I found this site and the how-to videos seem pretty good:
http://www.bikeskills.com/blog/?page_id=422

Hope this helps! Don't give up. I cried the first few times I started xcountry riding. Now its my favorite thing to do.

[Zen]

There are a few upcoming MTB skills clinics in my area. You should do a search for one in your neighborhood

[indigoiis]

I have the same issue, but got good advice here: Get out and ride on that mountain bike! Ride on sidewalks, grass, gravel, dirt roads, and keep riding. Eventually you'll end up on a trail.

I also went to a skills clinic offered by REI. That helped a little.

My husband and I went out to a local state park with trails ranging from easy to hard. He went out on the hard trails, I went by myself on the easy loop, and we met back at the truck.

I am still a noob, and I still screech on sandy bits (I fell really hard on a sandy road in Martha's Vineyard and it took a long time to heal my disclocated shoulder), I still avoid logs (I went rear over handlebars trying to get over a log), I still walk on most *sweet* downhills and while I'll attempt an uphill, it is rarely without unclipping and having to stop halfway up.

I don't know if that helps, but just know, you are in good company.

[buffybike]

Don't give up. I cried the first few times I started xcountry riding. Now its my favorite thing to do.[/QUOTE]

Really??!! Thanks for saying that...I was THIS CLOSE to crying after my 4th fall and not just from the physical pain. I don't know which was hurt worse--my shins or my ego! Good to know that I'm not alone...I'll keep trying.

[limewave]

The last two group xcountry rides I went on, someone cried. It can be tough. But that's what makes it all that much more rewarding.

[snowroo]

Gawd, I still fall. Hug fenceposts. Swing around the odd tree. Orchestrate some creative flip dismounts. And that was BEFORE going clipless.

Keep your head up. Look ahead. Don't look down in front of your wheel. Look at that tree and yes that's where you'll end up. Try not to think of all the things that *could* happen. Trust your bike. It was made for this. Relax. Learn to move around the cockpit.

Time on bike will help. Ride. Ride more. Take it easy. Go at a speed where you feel comfortable

[chickabonita]

Ok, I just have to say, I think it sucks that the others you were riding with were not more help to you. You were a beginner off road rider, you should have been given a little extra attention, it's just the sportsman like thing to do. It's just not a way to welcome someone to a new sport, I would be mad about that. But, I guess we've all been there and we just put our big girl pants on and deal with it. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

Otherwise, the advise given from others is all good. I still walk down hills sometimes, I've wiped out on plenty of tree roots and rocks. Keep your eyes on what is coming at you not just the road in front of you, don't let anyone make you feel rushed, and there's no shame in crying.