So, I fell off a steep hillside...

[solobiker]

I have been there too. I was climbing up a fairly steep trail with a switchback, started to fall over and unclipped my foot ( the wrong foot as it was on the outside of the switch back) and tumble backwards down the cliff/embankment about 20-30 feet with my bike as my other foot was still clipped in.

My adivce would be to practice those areas. I still get nervous with tight turns but continue to practice my "weak" areas. Just as long as you are still having fun don't worry and enjoy yourself.

[Tri Girl]

just don't do what I did: and that's not ride again out of fear.
I crashed hard about 4 years ago (that tree just reached out and wrapped me around it).
I was so terrified of crashing again, that I didn't get on the bike for a whole year. Then I only did flat single track, then I was even too afraid of that. I haven't ridden in 3 years.


Get back out there, walk the sections that are scary/intimidating and hop back on that horse.

I'm glad you're OK!

[cal4ever]

Thanks for all of the tips! I think I will walk the sections I find scary, and then go back if I find it rideable, and hopefully, little-by-little, I won't be so afraid of skinny single-tracks again.

And tri-girl, that's what I most afraid of as well. I don't want to allow my fear take over me and prevent me from doing what I love to do!

[bellissima]

Just keep riding, don't feel bad if you have to get off the bike at places you feel nervous about. Start with easy trails and work you way up. In no time you'll be back to normal

[cal4ever]

Ladies - thanks for all of your suggestions!!!! I think I've gotten my mojo back! My fiance has been so patient taking me to single tracks that are wider than normal. I got comfortable with that and now, I'm back to riding skinny (but not super skinny!) single tracks with some exposure!!!

[Catrin]

Ladies - thanks for all of your suggestions!!!! I think I've gotten my mojo back! My fiance has been so patient taking me to single tracks that are wider than normal. I got comfortable with that and now, I'm back to riding skinny (but not super skinny!) single tracks with some exposure!!!

Sounds like a sweet fiance Congratulations on getting your mojo back!

[Aggie_Ama]

Ladies - thanks for all of your suggestions!!!! I think I've gotten my mojo back! My fiance has been so patient taking me to single tracks that are wider than normal. I got comfortable with that and now, I'm back to riding skinny (but not super skinny!) single tracks with some exposure!!!

Great update!! Glad you found your mojo.