Standing to pedal

[Grog]

I believe the dancing-on-the-pedals bit comes from the French expression: "monter en danseuse," i.e. "climb as a dancer." "Pédaler en danseuse" also can be used. I think the dancing motion has to do with the "dance" you have to do with the bike, sort of pushing it to one side while you're standing on the other feet (of course that's not possible on the trainer). But the image may still help.

[firenze11]

I think the dancing motion has to do with the "dance" you have to do with the bike, sort of pushing it to one side while you're standing on the other feet (of course that's not possible on the trainer). But the image may still help.

Actually I think that image will help me a lot. I'll keep it in my mind and try it when I can get outside again. The last time I tried to stand and pedal outside was pretty awful. I looked goofy to myself on the bike, I can't imagine how I looked to any bystanders. But practice will make perfect! I'm just itching to get on the bike outside. It'll probably be about another month here w/ the funky snow.

[Grog]

Actually I think that image will help me a lot. I'll keep it in my mind and try it when I can get outside again. The last time I tried to stand and pedal outside was pretty awful. I looked goofy to myself on the bike, I can't imagine how I looked to any bystanders. But practice will make perfect! I'm just itching to get on the bike outside. It'll probably be about another month here w/ the funky snow.

Once you start riding outside, choose a steep-enough hill, get into a bigger gear and try it. I think it will become natural quickly. It's a bit strange to explain but you're really "throwing" your bike from one hand to the other, shifting your weight from side to side. Now that I'm thinking about it I'm not sure which hand gets the bike while, say, your right foot is down. But it's really obvious when you do it. Just don't over do it: it can be a waste of energy...

Enjoy! It's really satisfying to power up a hill, standing in the pedals.

[Andrea]

When I first started learning to stand and pedal, I thought of when I was a kid and my dad bought me a pair of rubber boots that were too big for me. I went out & tromped around in the mud, and to keep from walking out of my boots, I had to pull my foot up with my toes pulled up rather than pointed. I get the same feeling when I stand on my pedals!