I am also just getting into mountain biking. I haven't had a chance to get out much yet as it is too darn cold here in the North East right now, but I have started just getting comfortable on the bike on some dirt road trails that I am familiar with and playing around in my yard.

I find it helpful to get some visual images of what I am going to do, so I have been doing some reading: William Nealy's "Mountain Bike" has fun cartoon illustrations and lots of technique info. "Women's Mountain Biking" by Jennifer Kulier has a lot of general info and some technique discussions.

I also got a very good DVD that shows some off-trail drills with Sue Haywood: Wildflower Mountain Biking for Women. <www.wildflowermtb.com>

And I plan to do a clinic in June with WOMBATS. Other clinics are available at the NORBA Nationals in various locations: http://www.mtbchick.com/clinics.html

I am sure that the most important thing is to just get out there and have fun, and I appreciate all the tips and talent that I have been reading here. Let's go get dirty!