Catrin, i know you're amazed that mountain biking is different style of riding to roadie stuff BUT remember the following:

The skills you use on your mtn bike can correspond with what you do on your road bike. Think core strength...

Remember you have to THINK whilst mtn biking. The seat is not a sofa!

Momentum & speed are your friend in mtn biking. The slower you go, the harder it can be..in some cases.

Andd.......you don't have to worry about cars! It's trees that don't move on the trail!

When's your skills thingy?