depends on what kind of bike you have but i've always used speed to keep moving though stuff like that. If they are rather short ups then sprint before than in a hard pedaling gear and then shift to an easier gear. Its a good way to slip on a root and land face down in the mud but if you don't you can usually blast up hard hills like that. When i take my specialized P2 trail riding (i know its completely retarded to do but i love that bike), and i get stuck near the top of a hill like you discribed. I sometimes clamp on my breaks and just start hopping up the hill four to ten feet untill i can pedal again. this is much more tireing and harder to do then just getting off and walking, but it looks cool when you are with your buddies. Another option is swapping your rear tire for something with better grip, but thats expensive and won't make a huge difference unless your tires are worn down.
I would just use good old momentum and pick the smoothest way up this hill. there really isn't an easy way up a hill... thats the fun of it.
I would just use good old momentum and pick the smoothest way up this hill. there really isn't an easy way up a hill... thats the fun of it.
). I have tried the "stand up and use a high gear approach", and find that it is quite difficult not to slip on the root with the back wheel. I have significantly more success using the "low gear sitting down" option. It is far less masculine, but at least I make it to the top, with-out having to run with the bike on my back
