Hill Climb Fundamentals

Understanding Hill Types

Gradient Classifications

Moderate Hills (15-25%)

Maintain seated position
Normal gear selection
Steady throttle
Good learning terrain

Steep Hills (25-35%)

Standing required
Lower gear selection
Body position critical
Momentum important

Extreme Hills (35%+)

Full commitment needed
First gear only
Maximum traction required
High consequence

Surface Types

Hardpack

Predictable traction
Allows speed
Dust indicates loose
Line choice flexible

Loose/Decomposed

Constantly changing
Rear wheel spin likely
Fresh line best
Momentum critical

Rocky

Technical approach
Line selection vital
Traction points available
Power modulation key

Sandy

Maximum float needed
Speed essential
Straight line best
No stopping

Pre-Climb Assessment

The Walk

Always Check:

Total length
Gradient changes
Surface conditions
Obstacle locations
Run-out at top
Bail-out options

Red Flags:

No run-out room
Exposure/cliffs
Major obstacles
Loose surface
Previous failures

Line Planning

Primary Considerations:

Straightest path
Best traction
Obstacle avoidance
Escape routes
Success probability

Secondary Options:

Alternative lines
Section breakdown
Rest points
Turn-around spots

Body Position Mastery

The Climb Position

Lower Body:

Balls of feet on pegs
Knees gripping tank
Weight forward
Hips flexible
Ready to shift

Upper Body:

Chest low
Elbows bent
Head over bars
Eyes up hill
Relaxed grip

Dynamic Weight Transfer

Starting Position:

Neutral stance
Weight centered
Ready to attack

Initial Acceleration:

Shift forward
Chest down
Drive with legs

Steep Section:

Maximum forward
Chin over bar pad
Push bike forward

Cresting:

Shift back quickly
Prevent loop-out
Prepare for transition

Gear Selection Strategy

The 2-Stroke Advantage

Power Characteristics:

Instant response
Light flywheel effect
Quick recovery
Less engine braking

Optimal RPM:

Middle of powerband
Never lug
Quick shifts
Clutch ready

Gear Choice Guidelines

1st Gear Hills:

Maximum torque
Steep gradients
Technical sections
Slow speed

2nd Gear Hills:

Most common choice
Good balance
Allows momentum
Recovery options

3rd Gear Hills:

Fast approaches
Long gradients
Smooth surfaces
Momentum runs

Throttle Control Techniques

Smooth Power Delivery

Initial Hit:

Progressive opening
Feel for traction
Build momentum
Avoid shock load

Sustained Climb:

Steady throttle
Small adjustments
Listen to engine
Watch wheel spin

Traction Management:

Detect spin early
Micro adjustments
Never chop throttle
Feather if needed

Clutch Integration

Slip Zone Usage:

Smooths power
Maintains momentum
Prevents stalling
Controls wheelies

Quick Stabs:

Overcome obstacles
Regain momentum
Lift front wheel
Emergency power

Momentum Management

Building Speed

Approach Run:

Sufficient distance
Proper gear
Commit point
Maximum safe speed

Carrying Speed:

Smooth transitions
Line maintenance
Power consistency
Body flow

When Momentum Fails

Warning Signs:

Wheel spin increasing
Speed dropping
Engine lugging
Balance shifting

Recovery Options:

Power increase
Line adjustment
Body position shift
Controlled stop
Turn around

Technical Hill Obstacles

Rock Steps

Approach:

Identify early
Plan power increase
Body position ready
Commit fully

Execution:

Compress suspension
Power/clutch hit
Weight forward
Drive through

Roots and Ruts

Root Crossing:

Square approach
Steady power
Light front
No braking

Rut Riding:

Commit to it
Feet up
Power consistent
Trust the path

Loose Sections

Recognition:

Color change
Previous tracks
Dust clouds
Sound change

Technique:

Increased speed
Smooth power
No direction changes
Commit to line

Failed Climb Recovery

The Controlled Stop

Execution:

Recognize early
Clutch in
Both brakes
Feet down
Engine running

Position:

Bike straight
Uphill foot down
Ready to pivot
Calm mindset

The Turn Around

Pivot Method:

Full steering lock
Clutch/power burst
Swing rear around
Control descent
Regroup

Three-Point Turn:

Angle across hill
Stop and reverse
Complete turn
Safer method

Emergency Bailout

When to Bail:

Loop-out imminent
Complete traction loss
Obstacle strike
Better than crash

How to Bail:

Push bike away
Jump uphill
Clear of bike
Controlled landing

Specific Utah Challenges

Five Mile Pass Hills

Sand Mountain:

Pure sand
Speed essential
3rd gear minimum
Straight line only

Competition Hill:

Multiple lines
Rocky sections
2nd gear optimal
Technical top

American Fork Canyon

Mineral Basin:

High altitude
Loose decomposed
Power reduction
Oxygen factor

Forest Lake Climb:

Long sustained
Multiple surfaces
Pace yourself
Beautiful views

San Rafael Swell

Wickiup Hill:

Extreme gradient
Loose surface
High consequence
Expert only

Coal Wash Climbs:

Technical entries
Rock steps
Multiple attempts
Group support

Bike Setup for Climbing

Suspension Settings

Compression:

Slightly stiffer
Prevents diving
10-12 clicks
Maintains geometry

Rebound:

Faster return
Maintains traction
12-14 clicks
Prevents packing

Gearing Options

Stock: 13/50

Good all-around
Decent climbing

Technical: 12/52

Maximum multiplication
Slow speed control
Steep hill specialist

Balanced: 13/52

Popular choice
Good compromise
Versatile setup

Tire Considerations

Rear Tire:

Fresh knobs crucial
8-10 PSI
Trials tire option
Moose tube recommended

Front Tire:

10-12 PSI
Grip over durability
Soft compound
Direction important

Practice Progression

Beginner Hills

Start With:

50-foot hills
Good traction
Clear run-out
Multiple lines
Low consequence

Focus On:

Body position
Smooth throttle
Line choice
Confidence
Control

Intermediate Development

Add Challenges:

Longer hills
Surface changes
Minor obstacles
Steeper grades
Technical sections

Skills Building:

Power delivery
Line reading
Recovery techniques
Commitment level
Risk assessment

Advanced Training

Expert Hills:

High consequence
Technical features
Multiple challenges
Fitness demanding
Mental strength

Mental Approach

Visualization

Pre-Climb:

See success
Plan movements
Identify keys
Build confidence
Commit fully

Managing Fear

Acknowledge:

Fear is normal
Keeps you safe
Shows respect
Can be managed

Overcome:

Progressive exposure
Small victories
Proper technique
Group support
Celebrate success

The Commitment Point

Recognition:

No turning back
Full send required
Trust preparation
Execute plan

Mental Cues:

“Smooth power”
“Eyes up”
“Stay forward”
“Trust the bike”

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Sitting Too Long

Fix: Stand earlier, stay standing

Mistake: Gear Too High

Fix: Drop a gear, maintain RPM

Mistake: Chopping Throttle

Fix: Smooth adjustments only

Mistake: Weight Too Far Back

Fix: Aggressive forward position

Mistake: Death Grip

Fix: Relax hands, grip with knees

Mistake: Looking Down

Fix: Eyes up the hill always

Safety Considerations

Group Riding

Rules:

One at a time
Clear the top
Spotter positioned
Escape routes clear
Help available

Emergency Equipment

Carry:

Tow strap
First aid
Communication
Extra water
Recovery tools

Training Exercises

Parking Lot Drills

Wheelie Practice:

Clutch control
Balance point
Power delivery
Recovery skills

Slow Race:

Balance improvement
Clutch feathering
Body position
Control development

Progressive Hills

Week 1-2: Easy grades, perfect form Week 3-4: Add obstacles Week 5-6: Increase difficulty Week 7-8: Technical challenges

Summary

Hill climbing showcases the KTM 300 XC-W and Husqvarna TE 300’s strengths. Master these fundamentals:

Assessment prevents problems
Body position enables success
Smooth power maintains traction
Commitment conquers fear
Practice builds skill

Remember: Every hill teaches something. Start small, build systematically, and respect the mountain. The view from the top is always worth the effort.

Mountain Goat Sports offers hill climb clinics and guided rides to safely develop your climbing skills on Utah’s incredible terrain.

Hill Climb Fundamentals - KTM 300 XC-W & Husqvarna TE 300