Starting up a Steep Hill
Objectives
Student
Objectives:
1.
The students will demonstrate the correct starting position on the bike.
2.
The students will keep their weight over the seat of the bike.
3.
The students will attempt at least three steep climbs.
Teacher
Objectives
1.
No one rides without a helmet.
2.
To provide the appropriate cues to help students improve skills.
3.
Keep the verbal halts to a minimum.
Equipment:
Bicycles,
helmets, and pads. A steep hill.
Instant
Activity:
Pedal and Brake
Set
Induction:
In order to get the complete pleasure of
mountain biking, one must experience all aspects and challenges. Who in
the class has started a project of some kind and were interrupted for a moment
or two? It sure is a challenge to pick up right where you left off and
very difficult to find the same pace you were working at before. The same
thing can happen in mountain biking. You have started up the hill and
things are going well when you either crash or have to stop. The hill is
fairly steep but we desperately need to get to the top to experience the
exhilarating ride down. So with an incredible amount of determination the
climb must be completed.
Task:
1.
Try to find flatter terrain if possible. If not the rider will have to
"go for it."
2.
Start in the right gear; one that will give you momentum when you start.
If the gear is too low the tire will just spin if the gear is too high the
student will not be able to pedal at all.
3.
Straddle the bike, with both brakes locked.
4.
Put the dominant/stronger leg on your pedal. The pedal should be even
with the down tube. the other foot should remain on the ground.
5.
Pull the handlebars back towards you, push off with the grounded foot, and push
forward on the pedal with the other. Maintain balance.
6.
Stay over the seat to maintain traction. When both feet are pedaling and
the bike is moving along comfortably, sit back down on the seat and pedal away.
Refinements/cues:
1.
Start in the right gear.
2.
Crank the starting foot downward and push forward.
3.
Stay over the seat and pedal hard.
Challenge:
1.
Climb that hill! In fact how many hills can you climb? If you have
to stop on the hill can you restart the bike?