Riding Uphill
Objectives:
Student Objectives:
1. The students will demonstrate how to
use the gears efficiently.
2. The students will demonstrate how to
keep the weight of the body over the rear tire.
Teacher Objectives:
1. To inspire the student to make at least
five climbs during the period.
2. Review safety procedures.
3. Use the buddy system...that is,
everyone has a buddy no one climbs alone.
Equipment:
Bicycles, helmets, and pads. A
neighborhood or school hill. It would be ideal if there were a spot where
there were several sizes of hills.
Instant Activity:
Coasting Race
Set Induction:
Let's face it in order to mountain bike, the
hill must be climbed before coming down. Many times it is hard work but
the rewards of a great view and the exhilaration of flying down the hill can
make the work all worth while. How many students have had to work for
something very hard but then were so happy they did so.
Progression
1. Flat surface (black top).
2. Slight hill.
3. Easy mountain trail.
3. Steep hill
4. Advanced trail
Task:
First of all, everyone wears a helmet and pads.
1. Look ahead and take a good look at the
hill.
2. What gear (the big chain; left thumb)
should the bike be in considering the strength of the rider and the steepness
of the hill. If the hill is very steep and long shift into the smallest
chain ring. If it is a medium hill maybe shift into the middle ring and so
on...You must be in the gear you want to climb before you start uphill.
3. As you approach the hill pedal extra
hard. As you approach the hill, you may work your way down to the smaller
gears (the right thumb). Make sure you are pedaling smoothly as you
change gears. The shift should be a smooth transition.
4. Try not to change the big chain with
the left thumb as you climb.
5. It will be tough work but not
impossible. Keep pedaling smoothly and efficiently.
6. Keep the weight of the body over the
rear tire. Stay seated if possible. this gives better traction.
7. If the front wheel wobbles, move
forward on the seat a bit, but keep the weight on the rear tire.
Refinements/Cues
1. Use the gears efficiently.
2. Pedal hard as you approach the hill.
3. Weight over the rear tire.
4. Weight the front tire with the arms if
the tire wobbles.
5. Pedal smoothly and "think you
can."
Challenge:
Climb the hill. There could be time trials
also to see how quickly they can climb.
