Help getting over large log

[btchance]

I'm hoping to get a little adive from you gals here. On some of the single tracks that I use, there have been a few obstacles made using a large log (about 1.5 to 2 feet high) that has a few smaller logs on each side, kinda (and I mean kinda) making a short ramp. They are on flat portions of the trail, with a straight approach that can be taken from either direction.

Please give me any hints you have for this. On the trails I've been using lately, these are the only portions I have to get off for, and I'm wanting to figure them out this weekend (after my 4 tests in 2 days Aaahhh!!!) Any and all help is appreciated.

[Irulan]

oh, so instead of having to hop over a 2' log, there is a ramp approach. Easy, just put your mind to it.

Aim straight, get off the saddle ( neutral position) hands of the brakes, unweight the front slightly, and ride it. You will want to pedal into it, move butt back as you go over the top. Do not touch your brakes.

Body english is your secret weapon... don't just sit on the saddle, got off the saddle and move forward/unweight for the attack, back for the descent.

[Nanci]

Until you get comfortable with it, it's probably easier to get a good run at it and go over at a nice speed. You might find one direction easier than the other. Keep arms and legs springy like shock absorbers, but relaxed. Go over and over and over it until you're comfortable- then it will always be fun from then on. Before you even try, walk the jump- make sure all the logs are steady, see what it looks like from the top, plan how you are going to approach it and come down from it. Approach as straight as possible. You can always add to/firm up the ramp logs if you feel it's necessary, too. Those things kind of disintegrate over time.

Nanci

[Irulan]

Nanci's suggestion of rolling/walking the bike first is a really good one.

However, I completely disagree with this:

You can always add to/firm up the ramp logs if you feel it's necessary, too. Those things kind of disintegrate over time.

getting out soapbox...

I am a member of the NEVER MODIFY THE TRAIL school of thought. If you aren't ready to try something, don't, just walk it and try it when you are ready for a challenge. It's a disservice to those who put time and energy into building and maintaining trails to change something because it doesn't suit your personal ability level. It's also an insult to those who have worked on a particular skill on a trail only to show up one day and someone has dumbed it down ( yes, that is the term)

There are plenty of ways to practice skills and build up your ability without changing the trail: skills camps, setting up skills courses in parking lots, etc.

/soapbox

[Nanci]

I meant that if the log pile was falling apart and not safe it's ok to firm it up, not to re-do it and make it easier. Or you know how with time sticks start rolling off or sticking out to the side or rotting away or whatever. I've built a ton of these- sometimes there isn't large supply of optimal sticks/logs, and the stack is a little wobbly. I don't think there's anything wrong with putting it back into a safe condition. I would call that trial maintenance. :-)

Nanci

[btchance]

Thanks for the advice. I've already walked/rolled over the log because there's no other way to get down the trail. It's in pretty good condition and fairly stable. Thanks for the advice, I'll try it this weekend.

[btchance]

Okay, I was finally able to get out there and try it a number of times. I was able to make it 1/2 of the way over, but I can't get my rear tire to follow. I feel like I need a pedal stroke to get the rest of the way, but can't b/c they would get stuck at the bottom (I tried it). I felt like I had decent speed going over it, and I was out of the saddle. Do you have any more suggestions? Thanks

[Irulan]

sounds like not enough momentum.

At the point where you are getting stuck, you should be out of your saddle, shift your weight forward just a hair, and pedaling. You might want to try shifting up into a slightly larger ring to have some power to your pedal stroke.
Between the weight shift and the pedal stroke, that ought to get you over.

You can see in Nanci's photo that she is forward and out of the saddle.

~I.