Thanks Schang,
I read Sheldon Brown's article yesterday and definitely found it very useful. Too bad I didn't find this forum and read up on all the basics BEFORE I had a big mishap. At least I would have had a clue how much stronger the front brake was than the rear brake. Yes, I agree that my wreck may have been caused by a combination of mechanical and 'inexperienced' technique. I just know I didn't jam on the front brake... I was going Very fast though. It just doesn't make sense to me that I instantly flipped, at least not yet.
Yes, I have disc brakes front and back. I believe they are mechanical. I'm not sure what hydralic brakes are on a bike. The 2004 bike that I crashed has Radius brakes and the 2005 bike has Shimano brakes...
Carol