In many circumstances the bike has to be lifted or carried in order to clear obstacles or get up unrideable, steep banks.

For lower obstacles such as planks or very short sections that are unrideable, simply lifting the bike a few inches is often enough. To do this place your hand on the top tube in the middle of the dismount phase and lift the bike only as high as necessary to clear the obstacle in question.

In practicing this maneuver, find the balance point of the bike that allows both wheels to stay parallel as you lift the bike to avoid clattering either wheel on the obstacle and losing momentum.

For longer runs it is much more advisable to place the bike on the shoulder and lock it into position enabling you to run more easily. To do this bend down and place your right hand under the down tube, lifting the bike and pushing your elbow through the frame as you rise, and slide the bike onto your shoulder.

Dedicated cross bikes have a flattened top tube and this should enable you to balance the bike quite comfortably in this position. Reposition the right hand by bringing the arm under the down tube and grasping the end of the left handlebar. This will allow you to turn the bars into your chest and effectively lock the bike into a secure position, allowing you to run with it, using your free left arm to balance.

Whether carrying or shouldering the bike, holding it in a slightly wider position across the body makes it harder for other riders to come past you as you effectively make yourself bigger and block their line. In both cases when you put the bike back down do so in a smooth, ‘quiet’ motion as dropping it hard onto the ground risks unshipping the chain.