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Message: [QUOTE="bbbom, post: 592454, member: 16301"] Excellent points Fe_P! Look ahead as far as you can and where you want to go instead of where you don't want to go. At the TTC we were all crossing a pretty good sized rocky creek crossing (round slimy rocks everywhere) and I was doing pretty well until I noticed a huge pool just to the right, I looked right at it and sure enough that's where the bike & I went. I got stopped just before dropping the front tire into the pool which was about 5 feet deep!!! I pulled the bike (thankfully it was a trials bike & very light) back and rerouted my line. I went throught the crossing again to prove to myself that I could do it and I was determined to look across the creek - worked like a charm! The 4 stroke will actually make downhills somewhat easier since it will provide some engine braking. As far as getting tired causing you to fall, that is definitely a factor for me also and it snowballs, each fall makes me even more tired so I fall more! Working out is soooo important! Women generally lack upper body strength so it's important to build that up somehow - rowing machines are great and weight lifting is even better or just ride, ride, ride. I try to work out everyday for lunch usually mountain biking if the weather is nice and even when it isn't so nice if I just need to get outside. But, I have the luxury of a gym with showers at the office and some great mtb trails less than 10 minutes drive from the office (and a boss that doesn't mind my long lunch hours as long as I get my job done well - especially when he's out golfing ;)). I lift 2 - 3 days a week during the winter with cardio either in the gym or on the mtb on the other days. This time of year we try to get in a couple rides during the week and at least one ride on the weekends so I only lift once a week to try & save my arms for riding. I concentrate on my upper body because that is what usually gets tired first. I also do a lot of ab & lower back work to protect my back. I worked really hard this winter and I could really tell the difference on my first ride early this spring when we went to the desert. I felt like I was in control of the bike instead of just hanging on. At least until my wrists flared up again! I think they have improved but I still have a lot of work to keep them from bothering me on long rides - especially DOWNHILLS!!!! :) [/QUOTE]

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