Most logs that you will encounter on a trail are placed perpendicular, or across the trail. But there are also some logs that are parallel to the trail which you can ride lengthwise. To some riding along a 20 foot log that may only have a rideable surface no more than 2 or 3 inches may seem like an impossible feat. However, it may be easier than most people may think. There are a couple of different steps to ride a log - the first is getting from the ground up onto the surface of the log. I think that this is the hardest part and if you can nail that part the rest is pretty easy. The second is actually riding along the log. And the last is riding off the log. To be able to ride along a log you have to be mentally prepared. I believe that at least 60% of riding along a log is mental.

Many of the logs that you will encounter on the trail are straight and this is a good place to start off. So ask yourself, can you ride in a straight line? Because most of riding along a log is mental, mental control is key. Don't think about falling off the log but be prepared to and have an exit plan. If you get in trouble and can't stay on the log try to wheelie off or just ride off depending on how high the log is and try again. If all you think about is falling, then you will most likely fall. Visualize yourself successfully reaching your goal. A good exercise you can practice just about anywhere is to try riding along the top of a curb for as long as you can and then wheelie off. I have found that you have to keep pedaling in order to keep good balance, so choose a good gear first and don't stop pedaling. If you start gaining too much speed you may have to drag the brake a little to keep your speed down. Once you have mastered this you have a good chance of doing it on the trail. If you don't make it on your first try don't give up and just remember that it is mostly mental attitude.