Just let it rip, first or second, just stay forward, pick good lines, let the suspension to the work and hang on for dear life. I run a 14/48 gearing here in South African, we have plenty of big hills and many of then with rocks and ruts, this works well for me and the added speed with the longer gearing helps you get over obstacles a little easier as you will be carrying more momentum.
If I come off I generally am not to concerned, I am blessed with a body that can take a good pounding and walk away with easy, I will be honest I don't fall to often, but when I do my 210lbs without riding gear bounces gracefully down the hill and provides some entertainment for my friends on bigger bike.