While I posted a summary on the Clinic thread, I just wanted to say here how much I enjoyed my little trail ride yesterday. Yes I fell over. A lot. I learned multiple ways to bail without instruction What is it about that huge tree beside the trail that draws the eyeballs? Oddly enough the bridges without railings didn't much bother me. I only walked about 5 feet in two places as I didn't want to start going uphill.

It seems it was the sections with long embankments that gave me the most trouble - probably the drop-offs were drawing my eyes more than I realized. There were long sections where there WERE no drop-offs, and I did much better on those, I was able to pick a line around roots and stuff. So I managed to stay on the bike long enough to have some fun

One of the other students had a bad headache, so the decision was made to take a fast shortcut back to the parking lot before the others headed to more challenging trails - and the instructor riding with me had me stay in the saddle during the descent rather than assuming the position - but that was fun too!

I need to revisit those parking lot drills quite a bit, AND need to practice tight turns in particular. It is all good though, and though I did get a little frustrated with myself, I can't wait for the next time!