I’m also a newbie…..at 54 I’ve now been riding about 10 months, but I had a pretty bad crash within the first month of riding…. and I learned like you did the trails will be here tomorrow….so just go at your on pace. Also, I now ride hard as hell on the uphills, and take it easy on the downhills. I figure I’m out here to get in shape, and if you crash going uphill…It’s usually better as your going a whole lot slower. I now ride 20 miles or more regularly on the weekends…..but when I’m through…I’m whipped 😃 ….and it hurts so good!