I pretty much have turned from road riding to mountain biking as my primary sport (I still do both but now 75% MTB and 25% road). I have had crashes in both disciplines (road and MTB riding) but most seriously hurt on the road. Crashes on a MTB are expected. Something about the terrain makes it easier to fall and not get hurt badly. Landing on pavement... it just hurts period. Lubes is right ...
I absolutely love the sport of mountain biking. I used to take an active road bike trip each year - now I do it on my mountain bike. I have seen some beautiful country and sights, things you can never see on the road. Like any sport, there is a learning curb. Start out slow and easy and develop your skills. You will be surprised how the MTB skills translate back to road handling skills. It makes you fearless on a road bike (which may not be a good thing but because of my MTB skills I prevented some crashes on the road bike).
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Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to
letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.