How to get your wife / GF to MTB?

[Rockinthecasbah]

chewis should be nice to me before this accedently gets forwarded to trish your lucky to have a gf who wants ride lol But i couldnt do that could I

[RacinJason]

To start Take your woman on a ride that is all fun with a beautiful view.
No big hills climbing is not a great way to be introduced to mtn biking to start.
Work on the simple things without going all hot dog to start. This only makes riding intimidating. When you are just learning you don't want to see everyone making things look so easy. Starting small and learning how to shift and brake is something that will make every ride in the future much more enjoyable.
It only takes one crash to stop a wife or g/f from continuing with the sport.
Make it an adventure.
Every trip should get progressively more beautiful.
I start on a day that has a nice temp be prepared for anything. Walking back to the car on your first ride makes things take a little longer to be appreciated.
Get her involved with the mechanics of her bike. Many times you would be surprised what things your woman will find interesting especially if she is having a great time riding.
She will love tricking out her bike even if its just little things bling ano parts . That makes working on your bike exiting. You know you have to go ride after getting something new. DO NOT PUT YOUR WOMAN ON A BIKE YOU YOURSELF WOULD NOT RIDE! Think stable comfortable light reliable. If you have to borrow a bike do it. You only get one chance to make a first impression. If things go horribly wrong right from the start . Well then you are back at square one.
Get your woman a great helmet it must fit right. It is distracting if your helmet is flying all over the place and covering your eyes. Don't forget pads if you are at stage 2 . If you keep it easy you might not need pads to start. Sometimes rolling up with body armer scares the new rider. Check her simple skills to evaluate what precautions you need to take. If she looks really unstable riding in front of the house go extra easy and maybe light pads.
Make sure she has water and even snacks have a picnic at the park bench at the top of telegraph at chino. If she does something cool make sure you tell her.

I am just brain storming to see what I can do to help.

I was lucky with Willie she is great. She was my soul mate in every way from Music to personality to riding. Although she did not ride when I met her she was interested in doing it.
I have helped many people get started.

[Singletrack Angel]

Originally Posted by denmother

Don't forget Denmother and Roger!!!

Originally Posted by ChumbaJason

Yeah And don't forget Jason & Willie .

KeepsWhatHappens and Singletrack Angel, too!

I'll be happy to host a special "girlz only" newbie ride - I'm always on the look out for new converts to girlz MTBing.

I rode on and off with KWH for 15 years, but it wasn't until I started riding with the ladies that it really clicked for me... Once I got my confidence up, it was more fun to ride with the guys.

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by Singletrack Angel

I'll be happy to host a special "girlz only" newbie ride - I'm always on the look out for new converts to girlz MTBing.

I'll sweep.

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by Singletrack Angel

KeepsWhatHappens and Singletrack Angel, too!

I'll be happy to host a special "girlz only" newbie ride - I'm always on the look out for new converts to girlz MTBing.

I rode on and off with KWH for 15 years, but it wasn't until I started riding with the ladies that it really clicked for me... Once I got my confidence up, it was more fun to ride with the guys.

That's a great idea SA. I know Linda would appreciate it.

...and I'll help Gene sweep.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by mechmann

i don't know about you, but at that weight i was fat. weight all depends on your phenotype, but i am much happier now that i am down around 190.

when i used to do lots of weight lifting, my weight could get up to 195 or so and not be "fat". this was not the case when we started riding.

i still hope to drop down for VQ next year. ideally i would like to get down to 180. i know i won't be able to keep it there, but i am going to try!

remember, comparing two people's weights (numbers to numbers) means nothing without tons of measurements. if you are taller than me, 220 might be a great weight for you!

I was only joking........My ideal weight would be 195-200. I have my work cut out for me but plan on being at 200 before the VQ / CC.

FWIW I am 6'2"

[Impy]

Originally Posted by jeffj

If there is resentment about each other's activities and interests, then there's likely to be problems elsewhere. In the long run, it's not about the bike itself or the time you spend riding, it's about your relationship with each other.

Very true indeed!! Although it is nice to have a SO that bikes, its not critical.

Having one who supports what you do, though - that is critical.

[sunny]

Some women respond much better to being coached by a woman. We approach things differently from men.

Women want to know:
-where are my feet supposed to be?
-where are my shoulders supposed to be?
-am I forward a bit or further back?
-do I grip the bar or am I supposed to relax more?

Men look at you and shrug and say: "Well, you just do it."

When you go riding with someone who has not ridden a mountain bike, you have to imagine you are riding with your mother or father (or grandmother for some of you punks with really young parents). Put that image in your head, and choose an appropriate pace, appropriate technical area, briefings and forewarnings, etc.

Briefing and forewarning
"Hey, so we're going to come upon a patch of sand here. The trick to this is getting into a low gear and spinning your legs really fast. If you're in a higher gear, and you mash through it, you'll get bogged down. So, low gear, lots of spin, and as much weight off of the handlebars as possible."

"Hey so we're coming up on a tight turn that climbs. Let's stop and look at it, then I want to show you a good technique for going through it..."

Just because you can muscle your way though something doesn't mean you should. People get a great sense of satisfaction and pride when the have done something difficult that they didn't think they could do.

It may not be difficult at all in your mind, but if it would surprise you to see your grandmother do, then stop, hike in and look at it, and coach the rider. You do this on a DH course all the time. Well, for them, ANY downhill and ANY technical sandy rocky section is a bit scary, and things are always easier once you've looked at them.

I coach new riders often (mostly women), and there is nothing greater than someone telling me she was scared when she started but is really proud of herself at the end of the ride and can't wait to go again. Most of that comes down to confidence.

[allison]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

dang. Hardcore. Linda doesn't like going down hill yet and she's afraid she is going to go OTB. I don't blame her, she looks pretty out of control on some down hills.

How did you teach allison to love the downhill stuff?

I actually used to tri-pod down just about every descent...

My first ever ride was on a rented FS bike in probably January of 03. Didn't have bike shorts, but I did buy gloves for the ride (still have 'em). Justin took me up to BLT. It's rocky. I love the trail now, but at the time it was way too rocky and difficult for me. The climb from Penny Pines up to the lake felt like it was about 3 hours long (it's like 10 minutes or something). Was not into it.

For some reason we decided to get mountain bikes in August of 05. I chose Santa Rosa Plateau as my first ride. Justin and a friend borrowed our buddies' mountains bikes, and out we went. We had no idea where to go, and I think just did around a 4.5mi ride. It was fun, though. I was winded, had to walk a lot... Once he got his bike about a week later we took the day off work and went out to Daley Ranch. Followed Mountain Bike Bill's route. It was a bit difficult for me on the backside. I didn't know how to shift, so just climbed in the middle ring. Then I'd almost fall over from working so hard. I either walked or tri-poded down all of the hills.

I have used clipless pedals from day one, so I fell and got some bruises.

We went on our first mountain bike trip when we went to Phoenix about 2 weeks after having bikes. For some reason Justin told the guys at Bike n Bean we were intermediate riders, so they sent us on what was, at the time, a really difficult trail. I didn't like it too much. The next day we went around Phoenix looking for a trail.. Justin ended up making me WALK up the first part of the bottom of the National trail (I've seen it listed as a top ten DH trail in the nation, btw).

He usually let me pick the trails, but he was really gung-ho to try out San Juan, since he had ridden it about 10 years prior. For some reason I let him talk me into it. I didn't like the switchbacks, it was difficult to climb, hated the exposure... it was hot and I ran out of water. We did actually make it up to Cocktail and started to head down, and I think I cried most of the way. I walked just about everything.

We kept riding other stuff locally, and I fell in love with Hurkey Creek (I used to go out in full knee/shin and forearm/elbow pads, but I felt more comfortable).

Justin talked me into riding San Juan again ON MY BIRTHDAY! just about a month and a half after my first horrible experience. I actually felt pretty comfortable. We went to do the lollipop loop, met up with a kid and his dad, and got horribly lost. We went left instead of right once or twice... with Justin's GPS it said we were like 15 miles away from the car, and it was getting close to dark. Too late to turn around and go back. So, we pressed on.

I think we were down on Chiquita or something like that... ended up at Upper San Juan campground. Justin had to ride down 74 at dusk to get back to our truck. It was NOT a good experience. At that point I was really over SJT entirely.

We ended up trying it again, and it has become one of my favorite trails.

I actually don't think I really got into riding downhill and enjoying it a lot until I rode the Enduro. Justin let me take it out to Noble Canyon one Saturday and I fell in love with going downhill fast!!

Trial by fire won't work for most people, but I guess it's been okay for me

[queenwilhelmina]

Awesome... It's nice to know I'm not the only one who cries on SJT!! My first experience there was miserable, and I haven't been back since.

Oh yeah and guys - you're going to have to put up with some crying. We're girls, and we cry. We may be tougher than nails kind of chicks, but there will come a time when we eat it and cry like babies. If your woman eats it badly, but still wants to ride regardless of how hurt she got, then you know it's meant to be! If she says "F this!" and kicks her bike, you might want to just get her a gym membership and send her off to spin class.

[Fired Yo Momma]

Originally Posted by LBmtb

This is a pretty good thread IMO. I recently broke up with a long time gf because I felt we didn't have much in common anymore (among other reasons). One of the major things we didn't have in common was riding. She tried it once, wasn't really into it and I couldn't really see her ever getting excited about it. With riding and STR being such a big part of who I am, I decided that I wanted a significant other that I can share more aspects of my life with.

I think it's super awesome when I see couples like allison/mechman, andy/annie, marshall/carla, etc who love riding and can share that with one another - not only does that mean everybody has fun but they also strengthen the relationship.

Okay, I'm done with the mushiness.

That is [FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=6]HARD F'EN CORE!!!!!!! [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]Only the God father can drop that chick like that if she did not conform. [/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=6][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=6][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]I am kind of split on this. In some ways it would be cool to have your chick or GF ride with you but I understand everyperson needs alone free time. Although when you buy your bike bling and go on crazy MTB trips you chick or GF will understand. [/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

[queenwilhelmina]

Originally Posted by ChumbaJason

If she does something cool make sure you tell her.

Great point honey! I love getting accolades when I pull off something difficult or do something I haven't done before. Encouragement is VERY important! It makes us feel good and want to keep improving!

[Kiehacker]

I agree that there needs to be intrest on her part first. If shes into...sweet get a bike and go.

If there is no intrest...try to convince her how fun it is to drive a shuttle car.

[MuddyEdgar]

just bring her to a newbie ride hosted by Mr. Dino Brown. This guy goes at a slow pace, gives pointers, loves taking pictures, and makes the ladies feel like pro's.

It worked for me. This past Saturday me and my girlfriend went out for a night of drinking and dancing till 2am. I following day at 7am my alarm came on, I opened the blinds, and turned on my Radio. LMAO dude my girl was pissed and hungover. I convinced her to come along and on our way to the loop she was complaining and pissed off at me.

Once we finished the loop she said "I WANT TO DO THIS MORE OFTEN, I HAD A GREAT TIME".

Thanks DINO BROWN.

[SAR_boats]

Wifey hadn't ridden a bike since she was young and I took her to Fully during the summer for a thursday nighter. She did good considering. Then I f'ed up and took her to Peters in 100 degree heat. She hasn't ridden with me since.

The point(s):
To get her on the bike, just tell her "I enjoy MTB very much, it brings a lot of happiness to my life, and so do you. I would like you to share this with me, so that I can do my favorite activity with my favorite person. " (You may have to barter with her by agreeing to go to a play/opera/musical/art gallery with her)

Take care of all planning and preparations for the ride. Let her know what you are doing but don't ask for help unless you really need it.
When you are getting ready, plan more than enough time for her to get ready and get to the trailhead. Rushing=stress=fight=miserable experience. If you are able to drive leasurely and have a conversation on the way then the attitude and feelings of the ride will be relaxed.

Make her first few rides social events with quite a few people, that way she gets encouragement from more than one source. She will also feel safer because there are more people there. Make sure the trail isn't too hard and make sure it isn't blazing hot or too cold out. Ride behind her or beside her, don't lead all the time as this will make her feel like she is the anchor and is slowing you down. (Even if she is don't let her feel like it) Make sure it is a trail that you know like the back of your hand so you can tell her about trouble spots before they happen. Make sure you carry tubes and air for both bikes. After the ride, you load the bikes and take care of the gear and provide lots of positive reinforcement for her.

Then take small steps from there. Don't jump from the fully loop to VQ training ride. focus on doing the same trail a few times and them try others.