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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