I feel your pain, I've had a very up/down first season as well. I've been getting tripped up on climbs for one reason or another. It's been riders up front slowing for some reason forcing me into half-wheeling. I've come to realize (and have been told by a racing buddy) that I'll need to drop back even further to account speed/line changes. I'd rather finish DFL than hit the deck again.
In corners however, I've backed off slightly going in if there is a chance of getting my front wheel taken-out. This doesn't mean grabbing a handful of brake mid-corner, but maybe sitting up before turn-in to catch a bit more air. This usually a pack situation where you have riders all over.
Yelling out "hold your line" will at least let other riders know someone is there; though the risk of them chopping your line is always there. Riding defensively, dropping back slightly in corners or giving extra room to "Swervin Mervin" on climbs is the only way to protect your front wheel.
I agree the rider up front should have the prefered line, but there is also something called..."Giving Racing Room".
Last edited by FormerBMX'er; 05-22-09 at 10:09 AM.