Don't "lose" the saddle completely, keep some pressure against your thigh (this is easier if you lean the bike slightly towards one thigh instead of trying to balance it dead centre).
This! I did this by accident today and it gave me a much smoother set-off. I shall try it again now I know it wasn't a fluke. Thank you lph, and good luck Catrin!
Dawes Cambridge Mixte, Specialized Hardrock, Specialized Vita.
mixedbabygreens My blog, which really isn't all about the bike.