Wavedancer,

The WOMBATS are cool!!!! I went to two of their clinics last spring, as a beginning Mountain Bike rider.

Jacquie Phelan is a hoot and a very, very good rider. She's also a great teacher -- very good at describing what to do, and very patient when you don't quite get it right.

Braking tip (which I learned at a WOMBAT clinic): shift your weight backward before braking -- heck, even lift your butt up and behind the seat. It helps maintain the balance; the back wheel won't pop up when slamming on the front brake.

Happy cycling!

-- Melissa