Robyn,
I can definitely relate to your frustrations on the mtb. I felt like I was getting pretty comfortable on it and able to ride more smoothly without freaking out about every rock and root on a climb or descent, until I crashed on the ice about three weeks ago.

We went out yesterday in the woods again with new helmet, new brakes, feeling good...and then I slid out on some leaves and a small log and landed smack onto the same right hip/thigh that had just started to heal from the previous crash! New hematoma, and confidence shaken again. My BF was very supportive and talked me through one descent and climb, but I still felt so shaky that I walked a lot of stuff that a month ago I would have had no problem riding. So, I'll be off the bike for awhile again...but maybe we could get together and do some of those nice flat wooded trails somewhere? I do love being on the bike in the woods...and my skill and confidence will come back. I might wait until spring, however

Linda