Kelownagirl:

If you keep doing this you will be so excited to find yourself making it over those climbs! There's a technique to be sure. If you find yourself grinding on those pedals drop down to your lowest gears and just spin spin spin. When I'm in those type of areas it's granny gear, and subtle shifting up and down on the back end. The trick also is to keep weight on the seat without losing traction on the front tires. Bend those elbows and get your chest over your bars. I can be riding at less than walking speed, but at least I'm riding, I HATE to push a bike!

Oh, and yes, bruises and scrapes are part of the territory. Right now I have a rash from the thistles I've been riding through.