Went out today with the local mountain bike club beginners ride. It wasn't a skills clinic, but they had an experienced rider for every 4 newbies to lead and give tips on handling the trail. The trail was single track and only 3 miles, but we made the loop 3 times. It was a beginner trail, but there was enough to be a challenge for a newbie like me, sand, gravel, tree roots and little hills.

I did decide though that a sadist devised sand on trails. On all 3 loops I just about dumped the bike in the same spot. Came down a little hill straight into a curve of sand. You'd think by the 3rd time around I'd remember the spot was coming up and adjust, but no, just about fell every time. Had to put down my leg and walk through it.

All in all had a fantastic time and next weekend they are having a combined ride for both beginners and intermediate so we plan on attending that too. The club leader assured me they would break the newbies out into their own group and help us along.