Quote Originally Posted by thekarens View Post
I appreciate everyone's great advice.

Irulan, you're right, I was shifting under under load, so I probably did something because now those gears continue to sound crunchy as I pedal no matter what.

TigerMom, I think a chain catcher is a good idea. It's not too expensive and could help.

And of course, like everyone said, classes! I admit, I felt a little discouraged. I'm no spring chicken any more and I was wondering if I was just too old to learn.
You are not too old! (: Mountain biking is so much fun you forget your exercising (haha well kinda...) I started at age 48- and continue to improve and ride more aggressively (though not out of control, usually haha) I am not coordinated either (: I have been able to do some wonderful RLAG rides with the local Luna chix team- helped so much!

The main age related issue is the cross training is vital for joint stability and injury prevention. Good Luck- hang in there!