Originally Posted by HokuLoa

Some basic pointers:

1) Develop your handling skills slowly and in a controlled space. Practice in a big flat parking lot to get the feel of the physics involved.
2) Descend in the drops.
3) Use you front brake mostly and do your braking BEFORE the turn.
4) Pick your line through any turn and lay off the brake until through the turn (braking midturn can easily result in a skid)
5) Pick a line that avoids anything slippy like sand, gravel, painted lines, organic matter like leaves etc.
6) If you see slippy things you must pass over try to stay as upright and as straight as possible until you are safely past them.
7) keep your center of gravity low and position your weight appropriately for the turn AND for your speed (you practiced this before in the lot, right?)
8) Let the physics work FOR you rather than trying to fight it. This comes with practice, practice, practice. It is an understanding you will "feel" more than a "learn by being told."
9) Stay loose and conquer the fear. Rigidity and fear often spell mishap on descents. Plan right, relax, and let the bike do what it was intended and engineered to do.