[ev]

careful Matt, Barbara will get angry if we go on crippling her name

if you havent tried some on, you should
if you do not know what make, model and size fits you, you will have a hard time buying something in a closeout or on ebay
now do not ask me what will fit, please
women come in all kinds of shapes from beanstalk to dangerously curved
there are still some non-parrot pants out there, how ugly do you call these:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=SP606A00
only protection they lack are the big plastic logos on the thigh, mine do not have them either and last week I got a big bruise there when getting rock-roosted

for knees and ellbows you do not have to worry about looks, but try some on to find out what fits and is comfortable,
if you are a slimline consider youth models, too
I do not like the all-in-one protector-jackets, think they are too hot,
roost protectors come in different sizes and shapes, too; you got to try some on to find out what is comfortable,
if you are rather busty think about Acerbis lady fusion or one of the soft under-the-jersey protectors

getting sore?
guess we all know that feeling, don't we, Gordon?
you do not have to ride daily
but doing some bike-specific exercise is a great idea
in addition to low-impact riding technique
wild guess, as a female you mostlikely lack upper body strengt; if you are 'wressling' with your bike you will be stiff and sore for a while
Ken, where shall we put a PT thread?

btw, my fingertips are getting sore

[crfsonly]

i'm going to take some pictures of old gear i have to show you just how important body armor is. i never ride without a chest protector, knee and shin guards, helmet, boots, googles, and gloves. Also, good riding pants are a must. every rip, tear, and scrape they take is one i don't take. unfortunately, i'm yet to find elbow guards that don't cause arm pump or end up around my wrists. so, i only wear those when i'm going to a very rocky place where i know going down is very likely and the consequences are high...then i tighten them up and accept the arm pump.

riding gear is so personal....everyone's body is so different as well as the styles. definitly try some on...remember they're for riding so you'll want to have full range of movement without binding or chaffing. if they are mx-style (pant legs tucked into the boot) then look for something that's not bulking in that area...especially if you're like me with large calfs. if for the summer, some that is well vented, winter/fall/spring something that is heavier and more durable.

good luck.

[ev]

unfortunately, i'm yet to find elbow guards that don't cause arm pump or end up around my wrists

remember the mid 80's deflectors with the ellbow guards attached to the shoulder pieces?
use a little phantasie and craftsmanship ...

[crfsonly]

i wish they still made those and you're right i could easily make those....great idea!

[ev]

THEY DO
still make those
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42507&item=2491677528&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[crfsonly]

wow...haven't seen those kind for a long time...looks like something from the Star Wars convention!

[bpamp]

Hi, folks.

(Ev, yes, the Fly stuff on the Jensen site you posted would be fine. I'll have to write them and ask about sizing.)

So I stood about 85% of the time on the trails yesterday (I stand a lot elsewhere but was scared to on the trails). It definitely made things easier--not as much arm-wrestling with the bike.

Unfortunately, I really have to practice not grabbing the throttle! My three crashes were all a result of, shall we say, unintentionally accelerating at inopportune times. In fact, I have a stunning purple bruise on my thigh and a bent shifter lever to prove it. Next ride, I'll have to practice just coordinating hand and foot controls in various circumstances...

Barbara
(Don't worry, calling me Barb is okay....once

[dirty230]

You said something about the "infamous weight"of the 230.When i was 13 I had a 1972 suzuki tm250.The worst of both worlds.It weighed a ton,and the suspension was terrible.So try one of those old monsters on for size,and then complain about the 230!It really is manuverable and snappy regardless of the fact that it isnt as light as a Cr250.

[bpamp]

Hi, dirty230...and the better I get at riding, the lighter the bike gets!

Barbara

[crfsonly]

yeah...funny how that works. how often is our equipment REALLY holding us back from going faster, jumping further, riding longer, etc. great observation barbara!

ken

[hansie1001]

i ride low speed tecnical stuff a lot and have found that getting in the habbit of keeping your middle finger on the ft brake lever will help you realize when youre jerking the throttle, and will also incourage a beginner to use the front brake

[topgun]

As previously stated ...

Stand ... grip that big red throbbing thing between your knees ( the tank ) ... head positioned over your handle bars ... knees straight but not LOCKED ( use them like shock absorbers over bumps etc )letting the bike flow beneath you - nice and relaxed - suprising how much easier this is than being all rigid and "fighting" the bike. Plus you can move your weight side to side, front to back a lot easier. Also if the bike hits something and yu need to straighten out you only need to move the bike not bike plus you.

Dont lock your arms or hands - like riding a horse - use your legs, thighs, knees to hang on to the bike. If your arms are relaxed you wont open the throttle when you go over the rough stuff as you are not using your arms as the main "grip" on the bike - your legs etc are.

Dont do the "potty seat" crouch either - stand tall with upper body leaning forward to keep head over the bars - called "attack position". Bend at the waist - yes it takes practice but it will reduce fatigue and you will have a smoother ride. Another plus is you end up with slim firmer thighs ....

Standing also lets you see further down the track and in the event of a get off its easier to bail when standing than sitting.

I rarely sit when riding - only on open smooth trails or when I need to corner tightly and use leg as a prop.