Can you suggest easy rides for a MTB newbie in the Woodlands area ?

Try;

http://www.ghorba.org/trails/

Huntsville State Park and Double Lake in Cold Springs are fairly beginner friendly.

Thank you froggman ! I"ll check the website.

we did the doublelake tmbra race last spring and everyone had GREAT time. The trails are well marked and most of the climbs are mild. take your fishing pole also. there are HOT SHOWERS AND GOOD burgers there. It was one of the best times last year, many families and lots of trails. Huntsville park is as nice but trails are not interesting , flat and sandy/ THE MAIN THING IS GET OUT AND RID'EM!