New rider seeking advice

[Elaine]

I am very new to mountain biking (just got a bike last week and only have 2 rides under my belt) and I'd really like to participate in a RLAG ride, but I'm not sure if I should jump right in immediately or gain a few basic skills on my own first. I was wondering if someone could explain to me how the rides work, specifically for the beginners. Do all the riders do the same trails and the beginners just go a lot slower? I'm also a little worried because I tend to fall a lot (still getting used to clipless pedals, not to mention mountain biking in general) and I'm hesitant to join a group where my falls might not only bruise myself but cause other riders harm. Should I wait until I'm a little more consistent of a rider before attempting a group ride or would it be beneficial to just go for it now? Thanks for any advice.

Elaine

[DirtFace]

Go to RLAG on Monday. There are new people all the time, people who have never been on dirt, up a curb, etc. They break everybody up into smaller groups and they always have one group that is a clinic to show you how to get clipped in and what-not. You will benefit greatly and meet other people your speed. I highly recommend going, don't wait, then you can hook up with other gals that are in the same boat, then you can go practice at different trails. All you need is a bike, helmet and water. But i do recommend gloves as well. I started with RLAG 3 years ago and knew probably as much as you.

[DirtFace]

P.S. Everybody falls, it's part of mountain biking. And you fall on other people too, oh well. The more you ride the less you fall, but you still fall.

[krys-10]

if you can, come out tomorrow morning to Reimers Ranch. They are going to be riding all morning, so you can get alot of practice. you'd be surprised at how much better you can get by riding with other people...especially if they are better than you.

[Scuff]

... falling... It happens! Just get out there and trust your instincts, if you come up on something 'iffy', TRY IT or STUDY IT ... watch the other riders and you'll learn a great deal. Like Krys said you learn so much by riding in groups - trail or road.

I continue to learn something from every ride.

Have fun! Hope to meet you on the trail. :D

[Elaine]

Thanks for all the feedback. Sounds like a group ride may be one of the best ways for me to learn new skills and improve. Unfortunately I won't be able to make tomorrow's ride, but I'll definitely be there on Monday at Barton Creek.

Elaine

[parrotboy]

thought u were someone else i know....


you can always come over to the dark side at ARR and post up. its all good. stick w/it, ride well, have fun.



cheers!


The Parrot

[Elaine]

I knew I should have checked Mojo before leaving to meet up with everyone today. For some reason I assumed we would be starting at Zilker and ending up at the Hill of Life. It became quite clear I was at the wrong place when my friend and I were the only females on bikes over there at 6. Oh well. We went ahead and rode anyway and miraculously I didn't fall once despite the fact I rode longer today and tried a few more things than last time. The funny thing is I was getting pretty used to falling so I didn't think about it at all today. I guess before I was mostly just psyching myself out. Still a ton to learn, but I sure am having fun in the process so I can't say there's much to complain about. I can't make McKinney next week, but hopefully I'll really be able to meet up with everyone in two weeks at Barton Creek 360 access.

Thanks for the advice Parrot and maybe one day I'll post on ARR also. I don't have a whole lot of knowledge to share right now, but I definitely have a lot of questions. :confused: :)

Elaine

ps- to the biker who was at zilker trying to help us figure out where everyone else was at.. thanks.. and next time it's so hot, i will definitely be taking your advice and bringing more water.

[parrotboy]

Thanks for the advice Parrot and maybe one day I'll post on ARR also. I don't have a whole lot of knowledge to share right now, but I definitely have a lot of questions.



----thats why you should post!



yes, water is mui importante. go to REI.com i think they are having a sale om camelbacks...need mule/lobo or larger, ie 2.0