no skills

[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.