If you ride the trails then up’s have their challenges as much as the downs. Maybe not the same thrill but there is a satisfaction that comes from getting up over the roots, rocks and not having your lungs collapse in the process. Think of the training benefits.

The best way to look at tackling ups is to focus on some fundamentals:

Step 1

Step 2

Choose your line. Plan the ascent looking for the route that involves the least turning and obstacles to navigate. Keep yourself in a low gear. If you came from a decline make sure you dropped gears before hitting the ascent or else your gars will crank up and this where most chains get to snap (rarely do they snap just before a descent)

Step 3

Pedal smoothly never stopping. This is key. Use your gears and legs to regulate the force to maintain constant momentum. This maximises energy consumption and as we all know if you stop on a steep hill you will be walking the rest of the way. (If you do need to stop to re-assess your line whilst not losing momentum then see the post on trackstand below)

Step 4

To keep to your line whilst gravity is wanting to take you back down the slope you need to compensate and get your weight over the front wheel.  Do this by perching your bum to the front of the saddle with your front leaned over the handlebars. This will enable you to control your steering. The steeper the more weight forward.

Step 5

To overcome objects, ensure that just before them you increase your speed and momentum slightly. Sometimes it can help to rise up off the saddle.

Just prior to the object move your body weight central and have your pedal up and ready. At the object create a spring effect by leaning forward then back quickly and smoothly whilst you push down on your pedal. Voila the front wheel rises. Now move your weight forward as the rear wheel comes over (and if you can pull up the back wheel slightly using your pedals). Never stop pedalling. Enjoy the trail down.