Hill Climbing

Climbing hills that have roots, rocks and step ups requires an element of luck; however the old adage 'the harder I practice the luckier I get' could have been written for this very activity. Climbing these types of hills requires strength, balance and the appropriate technique.

Our method of tackling these hills is summarised here: 1) look up the hill to where you want to go; 2) remain relaxed at the bottom of the climb and ensure that you are in the correct gear (do not try to change gear on the hill) as you transition into the base of the hill; 3) do not rely on momentum to get you up the hill; 4) use your upper body too provide both balance and control of the bike to ensure you are not pushed off line; and finally 5) if you don't make it have another go and do not worry about pushing the bike up the hill it will still be there next week.

Get into the appropriate gear (one that both gives you momentum and also allows your legs to spin), and ride into the transition of the hill. Look up the hill and spot a smooth line, never look down. Remain seated (FS or hardtail) and pedal smoothly into the hill, position your body so that some weight is over the back wheel but your head and shoulders are forward. If the hill is steep the steering can become very light, if this happens twist your wrists down on the handlebars (imagine revving a motorbike) this will force your arms and torso down towards the crossbar and your head over the stem. Sliding forward to the tip of the saddle will also help if the hill is very steep. Keep pedalling smoothly while using your upper body to balance and keep the front wheel on the ground. Keep this up for as long as you can, there is no substitute for strong legs. Smooth pedalling will take you over most obstacles; however if there is a root or rocky area throw your hips forward aggresively as you reach it, this provides a burst of momentum that will help in most situations.

Have fun and remember hills of this type are hard and were difficult for everyone when they first started to ride them. Here we are riding a pig of a hill at Leith Hill Surrey 4th November 06. This hill is not very long or very steep, but as you can see by the faces, it is hard!