What I tell beginners.

I started writing this 3 years ago. Today I decided it need to be finished, so here it is:
I've been riding mountain bikes for about 12 years now.  I've been riding so long that I now have these awesome-ly clear thoughts when I'm riding, about how to explain why I love this sport, and how to explain what it does for me mentally. But I also find myself thinking about how to teach beginners to ride. Specififally, I want to teach women how to ride.

One thing that all beginners must know is that this is a game. Don't take it too seriously. Even a bad day on the bike is better than good day at work! (unless you love your job, in which case, insert your own something yucky here.) Your'e on your bike to have fun and get some exercise. If it's making you miserable, what's the point???

Another important thing to plant in your brain right now here today, is that the very hardest thing about mountain biking is the mental game. getting yourself into the right headspace to face fear and give yourself pep talks and remember to take deep breaths, and to love and be good to yourself, is more important than the skill and stamina, if you keep riding, skill and stamina will come. The state your head is in is a challenge that you must become aware of and start working on from the get go. It is the same in mountain biking, meditation, yoga, sleep, work, marriage, and all of life. Take this part seriously. Don't let a fall on the bike take you down mentally, it's not worth it. You're going to fall and fall and fall. Deal with it, and get back on the bike.

You cannot grow and progress in this life unless you reach as high as you can and stretch your mind and body and face fears first and learn and grow from them the successes and failures of facing down your fears.

Mountain biking is scary. It just is. TOTALLY. SCARY. And Dangerous. It's in the extreme sports category for a reason. You and your brain and body and soul need scary challenges. contrary to what modern society would lead you to believe, it is not supposed to be easy or comfortable all the time. Even if you try to make it easy and comfy, life will find ways to kick you down. You can learn how to take like by the horns if you challenge yourself and practice facing fears and grow stronger by doing hard things.

And, GREAT NEWS! There are some great coaches and women's "learn to ride" events for riders of all levels out there, and we can teach you how to approach mountain biking as safely as possible and help you start small and work your way up. And we believe in you! You can do it! but it's up to you to reach out, ask questions, sign up for the events, go the your bike shop and face the fear of intimidating shop dudes, and get a bike and get going. You have to give yourself the first push, decide you want to do it and reach out. We're here for you! So, get on it! What are you waiting for??? The trail is calling!