I just started riding about a month ago. I also have a friend who has been very good about showing me the ropes. Group ride season is over now, but I look forward to learning that next year. I haven't been keeping track of my speeds or distances, but I can tell I've improved a lot already. He is working on teaching me stuff like steep downhill, riding over/between/through difficult terrain like rocks, sand, streams, etc. and I am having SO much fun. There are certain hills that I used to have to walk up that I now ride entirely and hills that I can ride (skid, actually) down that used to make me want to cry. We usually ride at the places where mt bike races are held (he races during the season) and he will ride me through the courses. We normally go for about 2 hours. My first time on the bike I was beat after about a mile! On my own time I work on speed and endurance.

I think this whole website is just awesome, and I love knowing there are other women out there who love riding too. Ever read the "mens"-style mt bike message boards? I won't name names, but all they do is brag and trash on each other. I don't even bother reading them anymore. Women cyclists kick butt!