"Scootering" my bike

[Catrin]

Do most of you start on a mountain bike facing downhill like that? I hate when I can't get that second foot clipped in but need to stand up on the pedals. Scares the bejeebus out of me. How do you start on downhills, Catrin?

Until now I've started with my right foot on the pedal and butt on saddle. My brakes are engaged until I get my body situated, then I let off the brakes while pushing forward with my left foot - as the bike gets going I get the left foot on the pedal and go...

If there is a little flat spot at the top of the hill, I actually prefer to start there but of course that isn't always an option. I CAN start uphill this way if it isn't too steep, but if I can walk it a few feet to get to a flat or downhill bit then I will do that.

Red - I tried that and it was even harder to let go - I just need to practice, and practice and...

I also need to figure out the difference in how it feels between an almost-stall that I can power out of and a real stall so I can get my foot on the ground a split second before falling over This is body awareness I think, my trainer is adding things to help me with this...after all, it isn't like I am clipped in or anything!