Quote Originally Posted by Robyn Maislin
... the one group mtb ride i went on (lead by a woman who called it a gentle meander) shamed me so much that I never went back!
It's all a matter of perspective - just because someone SAYS it's easy doesn't mean it IS easy. I had the same experience with a friend when I was learning. She would say, "this is the easiest trail on (whatever mountain we were on)", and I would be walking half the stuff. Don't let it discourage you. I've sometimes found that group rides with other women can have a really competitive vibe, which puts me off a bit. I just like to get out and have fun playing in the woods.

Just keep getting out there and poking around, the more trail time you get, the more relaxed you'll be - and the more relaxed you are, the easier it gets!