Steep Inclines

There are several things you may encounter on a steep incline, especially if you are like me and tend to go after inclines everyone else uses as downhills. Let's break it down like this; approach, bottom change-up, incline, top change-up.

Approach - simple enough, the trail leading up to the incline. It may be a nice straight shot on hardpack, or the trail may be deep sand. Or the approach may not be so easy. It may be be loose rock followed by a tight corner into the bottom change-up. Whatever the case, the approach will obviously restrict the options for hitting the bottom change-up.

Trough - okay, what is it? I couldn't think of anything else to call it. A trough is the bottom of a waveform such as this (pic). By trough I mean the transition from level trail to incline. The transition could be a smooth like a bowl (pic), or angular like it was set in concrete (pic). These will most likely be very sharp. Or worse, it could be a transition with a protruding lip (pic).

Incline - could be any type of trail condition that a trail might be, except inclines tend to be cut into the ground, so there are some new things here to worry about.

Peak - again we are back to waveform analogies (pic). Peaks usually won't be a problem unless it's sandy at the top, it's sharp, or you are required to make a very sharp turn.

You should have already read the article on climbing, so we won't cover that again. Except to say to keep your body balanced vertical with gravity. So what is different in these cases?

Approach - I mentioned it only because it's something you will have to take into account when you plan your attack on the incline.

Trough - since we are talking about steep inclines, in most cases you won't be able to roll right over the transition. The transition will be so sharp that you will certainly lose a large amount of your momentum if you try to roll up it. Worst case scenario you'll go over the handlebars because it'll almost be like hitting a vertical wall (it may even be a vertical wall). So, your best bet is to hit the bottom of the incline with your front wheel off the ground. The more steep the incline the higher you need your front wheel to be. Here is a little guide. It's good to hit the incline with your bike forming at least a 45 degree angle with the incline like this (pic). This transfers at least half of your foward momentum into energy up the incline. More angle equals more forward momentum being converted to uphill. Start by CHARGING up the incline! This automatically covers any of the situations mentioned above under bottom change-up. This works even for a 100% vertical climb, such as a wall.

Incline - remember you are CHARGING up the incline! Pedal, pedal, pedal! Never stop pedaling! You can't risk losing your momentum or you'll be falling. When you are on a very steep incline, even the smallest rock or bump becomes an obstacle. You'll have to pick your front wheel up and off the ground to get it over these incline trail obstacles. Even a small one can possibly halt your progress. And when it comes to roots and washouts, you'll definitely be working hard to pick up that front wheel since you are already at a steep angle and leaning back isn't really an option.

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Advanced Gears
Balance Part Two - Two Wheels #2
Going Over Various Obstacles
Steep Inclines
Steep Declines
Tight Cornering
Balance Part 1 - Two Wheels
Target Heart Rate / Monitors
Target Heart Rate / Monitors
Staying Hydrated
Staying Hydrated