Requirement 6 (B2.b)
Road, Trail, and Mixed Surface Biking
Road, Trail, and Mixed Surface Biking
Using the Scouting America buddy system, complete all of the requirements for ONE of the following options: Road Biking OR Trail or Mixed Surface Biking.
Option B: Do ALL of the following:
Requirement 6(B2)
Take a trail safety test with your counselor and demonstrate the following:
Requirement 6(B2.b)
Demonstrate how to correctly cross an obstacle by either going over the obstacle on your bike or dismounting your bike and crossing over or around the obstacle
Crossing Obstacles
Mountain trails offer a variety of obstacles—from branches to boulders. Not all obstacles are safe to cross on a bike, especially if you are just getting started. Do not feel bad about dismounting and walking your bike around or over an obstacle. If you come upon an obstacle about six to 10 inches high, you can try to cross it using this technique:
Step 1
As you approach the obstacle, stand up on your pedals with your weight shifted back a bit, keeping your knees and elbows relaxed. Make sure you are in a relatively easy gear.
Step 2
When your front wheel gets close to the obstacle, pull up sharply on the handlebars to let the front wheel climb onto the obstacle. Do not use your brakes. Lean back a little, but not so far that you tip over backward.
Step 3
Once your front wheel is on the obstacle, push forward on the handlebars and move your hips forward. If you have clipless pedals, lift with your feet. These actions plus your momentum should pull the back wheel up onto the obstacle.
Step 4
Continue pushing with your arms until you are over the obstacle. Keep your body and knees compressed.
Mountain Biking Skills: Avoiding and Crossing Obstacles
Mountain Biking Skills: Avoiding and Crossing Obstacles
Helpful Tip:
A Scout Is Obedient!
Trust your beliefs and obey your conscience. If you come across an obstacle that makes you uneasy, then trust your initial instinct and safely dismount your mountain bike.
Now that you have learned how to cross obstacles on your mountain bike,
let’s explore how to cross rocks, gravel, and roots properly.
