What's the MTB learning curve like?

[VW Beetle]

if you really want to get good on doing MTB, you really need to concentrate on that. Time on the bike is necessary. Once your MTB skills are developed, then go back to the road bike.

Yes, this is going to be tough. I can already imagine being torn between two bikes... (feeling like a fool)...

[Adventure Girl]

Yes, this is going to be tough. I can already imagine being torn between two bikes... (feeling like a fool)...

But loving both of them isn't breaking all the rules!! (Wow, is that showing my age!)

I started as a mountain biker and got a road bike after a few years. I like road riding, but I LOVE mountain biking. I am still much more comfortable off-road. I think I always will be.

I agree with what others have posted here about the learning curve. It is definitely an individual thing. Some are faster "learners" than others. Your road bike experience will definitely give you a fitness head start.

Welcome to the forum. This is a great little group here. There is a "getting to know you thread" in General Discussions / Open topics. Drop on by and get to know us and let us get to know you.

I like your avatar and screen name... Check this out:

[DirtDiva]

I reckon the best people to mountain bike, ski, snowboard or do any other sport that requires a little courage with are the ones that, whilst a bit more skilled than you, you can mostly keep up with. I mean, you've got company, you've got someone who can demonstrate and explain, and - perhaps most importantly - they don't get bored because you can egg each other on with a bit of I'll-try-this-if-you-try-that.

The problem is finding one!

[btchance]

I'm still pretty new at MTB, but I have to say that a mixture of riding with friends who are better than me, and then by myself where I can just play around with stuff, has allowed me to improve fairly rapidly. Riding with my friends makes me push my self and see that I am actually capable of doing things at a significantly higher speed than I would by myself and get some help on the more technical sections (I just can't stand to be left behind, even though I know they'll be waiting just down the trail. I guess I'm just too competitive ) Just keep at it, you'll be surprised at how rapidly you'll improve.

[Crankin]

Just happened onto this discussion, VW. I also live in MA and started mtb about a year ago, after beginning road cycling about 5 years ago. Right now i feel like I should have never spent the $ for a nice mtb! I envisioned nice flat trails in the woods (one reason for buying a mtb was that i love being outdoors and the slower speed of mtb extends the season for me), but around here, there's none of that. I ride with my husband, who is very skillful in teaching me, and patient. But I wouldn't be patient with me! I am just scared to death of every major decision you have to make and feel like an absolutely unfit spazz when i can't even climb a little hill without skidding out. I climb 14% grades on the road, so why is mtb so hard? I can go over rocks on a flat or slightly rolling trail with no problem, but once I get on skinny or steep single track, I can't do it, because I'm afraid I'll fall down the side of the hill. Descending is another story. I am a slow descender on the road, never been over 33 mph, but adding in the rocks and roots... the one group mtb ride i went on (lead by a woman who called it a gentle meander) shamed me so much that I never went back!

[bcipam]

Robyn:

There are several very good books out there you should read - one is called "serious Mountain Biking" and gives good tips on improving skills. You shouldn't have such a hard time making decisions - riding should come to you naturally and way one that occurs is practice, practice and more practice. If downhills are your problem, set up a small course, and going down over and over again until you feel comfortable and then move on to a longer hill and do it all again. I'm always alittle hesitant the first time I tackle a trail but with practice and repetition, the trail becomes familiar and easier to do. Also practice following behind your husband. Just watch his wheel and goe where he goes. It amazing how much this helps. I struggle too with fear but am working to overcome it. I know what works for me is repetition, doing something over and over again. I'm finally coming to realize the MTB tires are amazing - they can roll over just about everything! Lastly, there is no shame in walking your bike up or around something difficult. Even the pros walk at times.

[wavedancer]

Robyn,
I can definitely relate to your frustrations on the mtb. I felt like I was getting pretty comfortable on it and able to ride more smoothly without freaking out about every rock and root on a climb or descent, until I crashed on the ice about three weeks ago.

We went out yesterday in the woods again with new helmet, new brakes, feeling good...and then I slid out on some leaves and a small log and landed smack onto the same right hip/thigh that had just started to heal from the previous crash! New hematoma, and confidence shaken again. My BF was very supportive and talked me through one descent and climb, but I still felt so shaky that I walked a lot of stuff that a month ago I would have had no problem riding. So, I'll be off the bike for awhile again...but maybe we could get together and do some of those nice flat wooded trails somewhere? I do love being on the bike in the woods...and my skill and confidence will come back. I might wait until spring, however

Linda

[amg]

... the one group mtb ride i went on (lead by a woman who called it a gentle meander) shamed me so much that I never went back!

It's all a matter of perspective - just because someone SAYS it's easy doesn't mean it IS easy. I had the same experience with a friend when I was learning. She would say, "this is the easiest trail on (whatever mountain we were on)", and I would be walking half the stuff. Don't let it discourage you. I've sometimes found that group rides with other women can have a really competitive vibe, which puts me off a bit. I just like to get out and have fun playing in the woods.

Just keep getting out there and poking around, the more trail time you get, the more relaxed you'll be - and the more relaxed you are, the easier it gets!

[Crankin]

Linda, I will be happy to ride with you, in the spring, or probably even closer to summer. Most of the trails around here don't allow mtb when it is still wet, so it is actually closer to June when it's dry enough. I like going to the Stow Town Forest because there are 2-3 trails that are fairly flat, but a couple of small hills to practice on. There is single track there, too, but I have only been on it a couple of times.
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I have read some of the mtb books. I know what i have to do, but the fear is what gets in the way. I also don't like the feeling of being lost in the woods, so i do better when I've ridden a trail a few times and know it well. Plus, I just don't get out on the mtb enough to have it be natural, like my road bike is. I feel like I am missing out on road time if I am not out during the summer. But, I will perservere. I really dislike the competetive thing... unless I am better than the others!