Platform pedal vs leg -.-

Yesterday DH, a friend and I did a long bike tour. The guys wanted to try a new trail going downhill, I wasn't too convinced that this was a good idea - and it turned out not so great, very slippery on a lot of roots and loose rocks. Somehow we managed to get back on the fire road, but it had started raining and I was hopping over the water gutters across the path - somehow slipped off my pedal with my left foot and slammed the screws of my platform pedal into my shin. I had to ride on a little while to catch the guys who then cleaned the wounds and put a bandage on while my blood pressure crashed which was really embarrassing, but I was ok after some minutes lying down and some kind of power bar and we went on going downhill through the rain, covering ourselves in dirt from head to toe.

I think nothing too bad happened, the spots from the screws closed after I cleaned them at home, it will hurt a while and leave scars but nothing major.

I still have some issues with what happened, tried to talk to DH but I think he doesn't really get what I am trying to say

First, I am mad at myself, because I tend to do things I don't want to do if there is enough peer pressure. This trail just felt like an accident waiting to happen all the time and I would by no means have ridden it by myself. Anyway, the accident happened after the difficult part, so I can't really blame it on the trail.

I also wonder what will happen if I have to perform first aid on myself or others - while this time my almost-fainting just resulted in a little teasing by the guys, this could be a major problem if someone really needs me. I just can't see wounds on me or others.

And last but not least I don't know what I did wrong when I slipped of my pedal. I hopped over a dozen gutters on my way down and can't remember doing anything wrong at the last one. I enjoy practicing going over obstacles and this could happen again any time. Now, this may be stupid, but I feel really insecure.

I really enjoy mountainbiking and was pushing my limits since I started. When I started I was quite sure that I would never cycle on any serious off road trail and didn't even think about roots and obstacles and the like. The more I did this kind of stuff the more I liked it. On the other hand I'm not overly athletic, my balance isn't the best. I had some minor crashes and a lot of "oh ****" moments and almost-crashes. I guess I will never be _really_ good at this even if I practice (still, I'm amazed that I can do what I can do). Sometimes I question myself if this should be something left to teenagers that learn quicker and don't hurt themselves as easily. Or at least DH and his friends so I don't feel pushed to go beyond my abilities.

DH is mad at me saying this because he thinks those things just happen but shouldn't stop you from having fun.

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Perhaps you could benefit from taking a clinic or some private lessons--something that could help with both your skills and confidence.

I will admit that I'm a total newb. For a long time, I've been relunctant to try MTBing for some of the reasons you mentioned. I finally decided to try it and immediately signed up for a clinic that's next weekend. I've also made DH promise that he won't push me to ride trails beyond my skill level. I'm sure some do just fine pushing themselves in that way, but I know myself well enough to know that it would likely just spook me at best and get me hurt at worst. Perhaps you need to just dial it down a notch or two, ride and your skill level and lay a more secure foundation before going out again on more challenging trails.

Thank you for your thoughts.

I searched for MTB lessons and signed up for a one day course that will take place in two weeks.

I'm still in doubt if I do the right thing - it says "beginner downhill course" but I guess I will have to give it a try, as there aren't so many options to choose from near my hometown.

I hope you will have fun on your MTB next weekend

I tried to chicken out of that Downhill course, but DH talked me into trying it. I am happy I did it!

I am impressed that I dared to do the things I did. When trying to follow my instructor, I didn't have much time to think about what might go wrong and just did it.

Most of the day we practiced tight turns and I think I had a real break through regarding cornering technique. It was easy once I knew how to do it right.

The instructor told me that I was still going too slow and that there is nothing to worry about with the right technique but I guess I just need some more time to let go.

In the end we did small jumps too.

It was my first day in a bike park, and I think had I been on my own I would never have dared to do the Freeride-trail at all. I am surprised how much it helped to have someone explain how to do it right.

I was astonished that she told me that I may be slower but my technique is actually better that that of the guys. She said they often "just go fast".

I'm really looking forward to more lessons now

You go girl! Downhill & free-ride!? You have ovum!

Cornering is my nemesis, too, although doing cornering drills has helped a bunch. Which techniques did you find most helpful in your cornering lesson?

Shin guards? Most people who ride with platforms wear them.

Clip in - Once, I got used to getting in and out - they are the best for mtn biking. I can't ride a mtn bike with platforms. Oh, my god, that would scare me!

Once you get used to clipping in, it helps your bike handling, you can pull up, it helps when you need to get some air, etc.

Get rid of the platforms, ride easy trails for a while, practicing clipping in and out a lot, you need to be able to clip in and out on both sides. If you give it a chance, I guarantee you will like it better.