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Greetings. Just starting out....
Hi all. Just wanted to introduce myself since I've just started hanging around the forums. My name is Col Thornton, I'm a Computer Operator and PC technician, 34, and I live in Gosford, though I do work in Sydney. I'm just starting out in the whole mountain biking game. Well, I have done a little on my older mountain bike which, while being a dual suspension, was heavy as hell and not particularly attractive to ride. I've just got myself a new Specialized Hardcore as a better starting out bike, and am enjoying riding it so much more. I paid $650 for it. I didn't do half as much research into my purchase as i normally would, so did I get ripped off?
Anyway now I'm starting to hit the bush... have just had the one serious ride so far... by myself but it was a true joy. I want to do more, and I like the sound of your group here so I thought I'd pop in and see how things work. I am thinking of coming on some rides but my fitness level is not the best right now... which is half the reason I'm trying to get serious on the mountain biking. I do martial arts and light weights so i'm no too bad off in the strength and muscle department, but my stamina is pi*s poor thanks to the fact I'm a smoker. 
Also, at the risk of sounding like a pussy.... I'd feel better as part of a larger group until I get to know a few people. So basically, I'm open to suggestions on what would be a good starting outing for one such as me.... not to heavy on the stamina requirements, and with a fair few people along. Not sure if I prefer cross-country or downhill yet... probably the former. So any ideas?
I'm looking forward to a lot of years doing this. My wife is already complaining she'll never see me anymore. Luckily she hasn't considered the possibility that maybe that's exactly why I'm doing it. 
(it's not). But I'm loving it so much so far, I couldn't give it up if i tried. The experience is addictive.
Col.
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Welcome aboard!
Sounds to me like you need to buy another bike... for the missus!
You're about where I started two years ago. My then-ten-year-old got me into it. On my first trip down the Manly Dam trail after the kids playground I thought I was going to go over the bars and die (much the little monkey's amusement)! But I have to confess now that I am quite addicted and did my first race at the Fat Tyre festival a litle over a month ago.
It's now something that my son and I enjoy enormously together.
Especially while starting out it's smart to do it in company. Not only do you learn much faster in the company of better riders, but there's the safety aspect as well, as the beauty (and danger) of bikes that you can cover quite large distances relatively easily and things do happen from time to time. Plus, it's just great being out in the middle of the bush with a bunch of mates - which, more often than not, will include the girls.
Tag along to any of the beginner/social rides and you'll be right at home. There's often time to re-do bits if you want, nobody is pressured to do sections they're not comfortable with, and no-one gets left behind.
Yeh, thanks for the kind words mate. I am keeping my eye out for a beginners ride I can get to so hopefully it won't be long before I start jumping in. Your right about the riding in company thing.... first ride out I was gone so long, by the time I got home the wife was about ready to start organising search parties in case I'd got hurt. Oh and didn't she let me know it!
She'd feel a lot safer knowing I was with a group.
Am slowly getting my eldest son, nine yrs old, into riding but unfortunately he's just got a four gear hybrid bike from Big W and it doesn't really cut the mustard. He's not that strong yet so can't get up much of a slope using such a crappy bike. Not to mention he's just a half inch too short for the size of the bike... makes it tough. I'm hoping to get him a decent kids mountain bike down the track when I've got some spare dough, so we can get out bush together.
The ride Hans has posted for 1/1/09 for the Perimeter/Long trails is perfect for newbie. It's 22k's but flat
and he is taking Benji his young son.
Ahh thanks for that. I was looking at that ride and wondering whether it would be good for me. Just have to decide if it won't end too late for me.... I have to be up 5:30 the next morning. Should be ok though..... I might just be in that.
Col.