With a little planning and being careful, I believe you can avoid most situations where you would even need to back up. Even though I can usually back it up, I really try to avoid it altogether. Even being 5'10", I would have trouble backing up the slightest incline. And, on gravel, I'd just as soon not. I'm always thinking ahead to avoid any of those uncomfortable situations. In those rare instances where either you got careless or really couldn't avoid it, you usually can find someone to give you an assist.