Pushed up Hills

[Hammer]

Went for a 30 mile bike ride yesterday with some folks that belong to the local bike club. I've ridden the distance before, but this route was a little hillier than I typically tackle around here. One of the guys that's kinda the head of the club hung back with me and helped push me up one hill during the first half of the leg.

We rode 16 miles and stopped for lunch. I had a hot beef sandwhich, I don't think that was quite the meal for a bike ride, but it sounded, looked and smelled so good. My tastebuds were happy. Next time I'll probably get something simpler, that could maybe help.

During the second half I ended up having a hard time keeping up with the group. The lead guy hung back and helped me up another couple hills by providing a gentle push. I was lagging though. It didn't do much for my ego, but oh well. I was out there.

So, I told him that I was actually going to tell people that I was pulling him up the hills instead of getting pushed up by him. :D

Then another time we were going up a longer incline. He's like, "It's not a hill... it's not a hill..." And it wasn't really... But I said, "You're right, it's an inverted valley."

My town sits on top of a bluff with a bit of the town below the bluff. There are 5 streets up the bluff. I usually try to include at least one trip up the bluff on my rides. I'm going to have to ride up and down until I get sick... recover and do it again.

[KSH]

Being pushed up a hill is fun! Although... it does make you feel like a lazy bum.

Sounds like you had some hard riding... good job at hanging!

[fixedgeargirl]

Yep, I've been pushed up a hill once or twice. Thing is, the next time I rode with the club, I kept up :D . Way to hang in there!!! My two cents: next time eat the steak sandwich an hour before the ride :D .

[Hammer]

I did have oatmeal for breakfast with raisins. Next time I'll eat a lighter lunch. But, it tasted good!!! :D

For a bit my lungs felt really tight. It took a little bit to catch my breath. I don't have asthma or anything.

It's funny though, I've been trying to be able to go running... I went for a jog walk yesterday... I get tired, but not as tired as I do getting up some hills. So each activity will benefit the other as long as I don't overdo it. I'll do better at those hills next time too.

[DirtDiva]

It was probably just because your stomach was so full - poor lungs getting squished by an over-inflated stomach.

[go get em]

The very first group ride I ever went on, I also got pushed up a hill. However, with time and perseverance I am no longer at the back of the pack. In fact, sometimes I am the first up the hill. So keep working on those hills, take your time and have fun.

[Hammer]

I took my bike in to the shop to have my front brake fixed. I just got it back and he said, "I've got a tip to make you faster on your club rides... check your air pressure. Your tires can handle 80... you were running at 35." Oops. :D Now I know. Silly me. These are the things that I have to train myself to check before I spring for a roadbike.

[BIKEAWAY]

That happened on my first organized ride too... I was at 40 lbs and didnt find out until the end.... :rolleyes: OPPs

[DeniseGoldberg]

I took my bike in to the shop to have my front brake fixed. I just got it back and he said, "I've got a tip to make you faster on your club rides... check your air pressure. Your tires can handle 80... you were running at 35." Oops. :D Now I know. Silly me. These are the things that I have to train myself to check before I spring for a roadbike.

It's really more than checking - you should plan on putting air in your tires before every ride.

[bouncybouncy]

I always get a little ooomph mentaly when I get a push...Whenever it happens I take a DEEP breath and give my legs a little talkin' to (let 'em know they gotta get me home)
It kinda is like a re-fresh button...

as for the tires...it is just like putting on a helmet...happens before EVERY ride!!! it is also a good way to keep track of any small leaks and such!

[Trek420]

bouncybouncy "as for the tires...it is just like putting on a helmet...happens before EVERY ride!!! it is also a good way to keep track of any small leaks and such!"

makes them more resistant to flats too.

[MightyMitre]

I've been pushed along on the flat. Now that is embarrassing.

I'd just joined the club and did my best to keep up but there was a very strong headwind, combined with a very slight incline and I was struggling. One of the guys pushed me while I had a chew on an energy bar.

Later on, on the return leg we were all having a great time and we managed to get three of us forming a pushing chain and I was on the front! We were doing about 27 mph with Tris pushing me while Gary pushed him. It was such a laugh and I thoroughly enjoyed it. At that stage in my cycling career I'd never been that fast on a bike before. ( I really was a total beginner!) :)

[alpinerabbit]

I've been pushed up routinely by boyfriend on every second hill or so, sortof as an apology for forcing me to go up wherever he wanted me to :o

[runnergirl]

No one's mentioned the weird factor of having a bunch of strange men touch your toosh :confused:

There aren't many big hills around here, so the MO is for one guy to go slow at the top till I get there and then pull me back to the group. I think I prefer that to the derriere touching. :eek:

[slinkedog]

My husband pushes me up hills on occasion... but he touches the small of my back, not my ***. ;)