How to Mountain Bike up a Steep Traverse

You're mountain biking on a great piece of singletrack, twisting and winding through the pines. Suddenly, a monster climb with a particularly steep grade pops out of nowhere. You're in the wrong gear and aren't prepared--you don't have a chance and begin to walk up. Mountain biking up steep traverses is a necessary skill on most trails. It can be difficult, but with a little know-how, planning and practice you'll be climbing up those hills with ease.

Things You'll Need

• Cross country mountain bike with appropriate gears for climbing
• Water
• Helmet
• Mountain bike gloves
• Appropriate footwear
• Energy bar/gel

Instructions

1. The most important thing you can do when approaching a steep traverse is to be prepared. Gain as much speed and momentum as you can and be sure to downshift to a gear that you will be comfortable climbing in. Depending upon the length and grade of the particular hill that you're approaching, you'll want to downshift to an easy gear, possibly even your lowest granny gear. Try to find that comfortable gear well before the climb starts, as gears will stick and slip if you try changing during a climb.

2. When you hit the uphill, it is essential to immediately pace yourself. Take a look at how lengthy the uphill section is and develop a steady pace with which you will be able to endure the entire climb. DO NOT overexert yourself too early or you will find yourself walking up a large percentage of the hill.

3. Keep your weight planted evenly so that both tires maintain proper traction. Although it can be tempting to stand up, doing so on a steep traverse can cause the rear tire of your mountain bike to slip, causing you to lose all momentum. Sitting back on your seat, while leaning your upper body forward, will properly brace your tires, allowing enough grip to keep you climbing. If you feel like you must stand, make sure to keep enough weight back to prevent slippage.

4. Keep a firm, steady grip on the handlebars. Do not allow any drastic back and forth movement with the handlebars as this is a momentum killer.

5. Be sure to look about 15-20 feet ahead of you and keep an eye out for obstacles. Maintain the cleanest, straightest line that you can without getting bogged down by large rocks or stairs. On a steep, difficult climb, large obstacles can really make life harder. Seeing obstacles well ahead allows you to choose the smoothest possible line without having to jerk back and forth when obstacles are presented.

6. Maintain a steady pedaling pace throughout the climb. Also keep a steady breathing pace to prevent getting winded. Grind it out to the top.

7. If you lose momentum or get overtired and are unable to finish the climb, walk it. Do not try getting back on the bike unless there is a plateau for you to get some momentum on. It is extremely difficult to try pedaling from a stop on a steep hill and can cause you to fall. You can always come back and conquer the entire climb another time.

8. When you get to the top, be sure to stop and take a break if you're out of breath. Drink plenty of water as climbing takes some fluid out of you. If you're feeling particularly tired, eat an energy bar to maintain your energy level.

9. Generally speaking, big climbs lead to big descents. Enjoy the rest of the ride and especially the sweet downhill that you've earned.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to pack enough water and food when mountain biking, particularly at higher altitudes. Consider how long and difficult a ride you'll be undertaking when determining how much to pack.

• Build up your stamina and climbing skills by practicing on smaller, more familiar hills first. As smaller hills become easy, continue to build your skills and endurance by climbing larger, steeper hills.

• Mountain biking is a dangerous, difficult sport that requires practice. If you are inexperienced, do not take on any trails that are too difficult for you as this could lead to overexertion and injury. Pay close attention to trail descriptions and difficulty ratings.

Resources

• Additional tips, trail and bike reviews