Mountain Biking - A different question from a roadie

Hey all.

I've pretty much decided I want to expand from road cycling to mountain biking.

I have the Stewart Buffer Zone (http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/trail.asp?id=13343&trail_name=Stewart%20Buffer%20Zone%20Mountain%20Bike%20Trail) about 5 minutes from my house. It offers a wide variety of terrain of varying difficulty.

My question is this: I've seen pictures in this forum of people riding over stuff that I wouldn't think a bike could go over. I guess it's what you consider technical riding.

So, before I go out and get myself seriously hurt, where can I find information on how to navigate this kind of stuff (recommend a book or web link). I understand there's nothing like riding to make you a better rider, but I'd at least like to have a basic idea of what to expect and how to avoid going over the handlebars.

Thanks in advance.

The best advice I can give is to start out on the easier trails first, and only move on to more difficult things as you feel comfortable.
For books, I picked up a copy of "Mastering Mountain Bike Skills" by Brian Lopez and Lee McCormick. I found it to be very helpful.
Also, there may be a local mountain biking club or organization in your area. Check with them if there are any "no drop" group rides.

you can always walk over treacherous obstacles, no need to fear death or injury, so don't let not being able to ride over tech stuff keep you from getting out there. Never ride around (unless there is a bailout trail)or remove obstacles from the trail.

And welcome to the sport of MTB.

I would agree with what the above poster is saying, find a group to ride with and you will learn faster than any book will teach you. And I wouldn't worry about being dropped too badly on group rides if you have a good fitness base from the road.

+1 on the Brian Lopes book.

Find a local club or group to ride with, especially one that is newbie friendly. That's how I started. You can start by checking your local LBS, there are many that organize their own rides as it helps keep their client base happy (and buying more stuff).

Forget the books, just go ride. If you come across something you can't handle, just walk it. The pioneers of the sport didn't have a book, I didn't read one either.

Happy Trails

http://www.webmountainbike.com/trailandrid.html

http://www.romp.org/rides/beginnerguide.html

http://www.bicyclesource.com/you/trail/

Mountain Bike by William Nealy is informative and very funny:D

http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Bike-Beginning-Advanced-Technique/dp/0897321146/sr=8-1/qid=1159368515/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0965417-9505660?ie=UTF8&s=books

mountain bike like a champion by ned overend is the definitive authority on bike handling skills. lopes' book is kinda flashy.