CROUCHED CLIMB – Bergauffahren im technischen Gelände
The Crouched Climb is a very effective way for riders to maintain balance and stability while climbing short sections of technical terrain.
WHERE IT IS USED
The Couched Climb is used for riding short portions of technical terrains, such as rock gardens.
KEYWORDS – CROUCHED CLIMB
| 1. Shift Gears. 2. Shoulders Low. 3. Elbows Out. 4. Hover Above Saddle. 5. Power Pedal. 6. Continue. |
INSTRUCTOR DEMONSTRATION
Side view demonstration. Walking pace.
PERFORM A DEMONSTRATION – The instructor must perform a demonstration for each progression.
LOCATION FOR DEMONSTRATION
Rough and uneven terrain with a moderately steep grade.
SITE SELECTION – Choose a location that will allow you to teach Seated, Standing, and Crouched climbing. The Climbing skills are best taught as progressions of each other.
GOAL OF THE LESSON
To maintain balance and traction on the rear wheel using subtle Bike/Body separation movements while hovering above the saddle.
KEYWORDS – The describing words used to teach the skill.
PHASE BREAKDOWN – Used to help the instructor create a deeper understanding of the skill, how it is broken down into the key Bike/Body movements, and the correct order they should be performed.
| THREE PHASE | KEYWORDS CROUCHED CLIMB | THE KEY BIKE/BODY MOVEMENTS TEACHING POINTS |
|---|---|---|
| Set Up | Shift Gears | The rider Shifts Gears to the appropriate gear, before entering the climb. Eyes scanning ahead to choose the riding line. Speed: Walking pace. |
| The Move | Shoulders Low Elbows Out Hover Above Saddle Power Pedal | The rider’s Shoulders are Low over the handlebar. Elbows are Bent and Out for stability. Hips are lifted and Hover Above the Saddle. The rider’s weight shifts back during the Power Pedal phase and forward during the non-power phase. Shifting weight to the rear will improve traction. Shifting weight forward will improve control over the steering. The rider is focusing ahead on the line. |
| Follow Through | Continue | As the climb subsides the rider maintains a balanced position by bringing the upper body up and back into a more upright seated position and Continues pedaling. |
Additional information:
Have the rider adjust seat height, as it is easier to climb in the crouched position with the seat an inch or more below the height used for the seated climb.
Hips are off the saddle and the shoulders are above the handlebar. This allows the bike to move more easily under the rider. The rider uses subtle Bike/Body separation movements while hovering above the saddle, to maintain a balanced position and traction on the rear wheel.
GROUP MANAGEMENT – Have the riders come through one at a time. Instruct the group to wait off to the side at the top of the climb of each section, until the last rider has come through, before giving further instructions.
METHOD OF OBSERVATION –Position yourself to the outside (side view) of the climb mid-way. This will give the best view point of the riders power pedal and weight shift.
ERROR DETECTION AND CORRECTION – Positive – Constructive – Positive.
ERROR DETECTION AND CORRECTION
Example: The rider cannot steer the bike when climbing or loses balance.
- The rider needs to get their shoulders low over the bars.
- The rider needs to commit to the line.
- The rider’s hips may be too far back. Have the rider move their hips forward and hover above the saddle.
Example: The rider is losing traction of the rear wheel.
- The rider’s hips may be too far forward. Have the rider move hips back and hover above the saddle.
- The rider may not be in the appropriate gear for the terrain.
- The rider may be too tall. Have them lower their center of mass and hover above the saddle.
PROGRESSIONS– Help teach the skill in smaller steps to ensure the rider is proficient in that step before advancing to the next step in the skill lesson.
RIDE STANDARD – The BICP ride standard is used for testing riders for certification.
ERROR DETECTION AND CORRECTION – Positive – Constructive – Positive.
SKILL PROGRESSIONS
Ensure the riders know how to dismount on a climb before practicing the climbing skills.
PROGRESSION ONE
Have the riders practice the Crouched Climb on a Green-Blue technical trail until the riders get the feel for the crouched position.
PROGRESSION TWO (RIDE STANDARD)
Move to steeper grades. Have the riders practice the Crouched Climb on a Blue-Moderate technical trail. Look for the rider’s balance and stability through the climb.
PROGRESSION THREE
Combine with other skills. Have the riders practice the Crouched Climb on a Blue-Moderate-technical trail, combined with the Climbing Dismount and Restarting on a Climb.
WRAP UP THE LESSON – Remind the riders of their accomplishments and suggest ways they can continue to practice and progress the skill.
