My hill climb ride

Last night I went out for my club’s first hill climb ride of the season. I am new to the club this year and didn’t know what to expect. The ride leader was keeping the route a secret but promised we’d start off “easy, pretty basic”. It turned out to be what is known as one of the most challenging climbs in the area. I was tired from a hard ride the day before, then it was all uphill to get to the actual climb. Shortly after starting the climb, I quickly dropped to the back. Soon I realized I was going to have to stop and take a break. I saw some others ahead of me had also stopped, so that made me feel better. I got back on, rode another 200 yards, took a break. Repeated this a few times, then finally had to call it quits, I just didn’t have any left in me. It was ridiculously steep, 10 – 11% and I just couldn’t take anymore. I’ve ridden an 8 mile 4.5% sustained, a 1.5 mile 6 – 8% sustained, and some very short pitches of 10%, but never a sustained 10%. When I got back to my car I really wanted to know how far I’d been from the top, so I drove back up there. I was closer than I thought, and maybe if I’d known how much further I had to go I would have kept trying. Maybe not. So usually I beat myself up over this sort of thing, focusing on the fact that I didn't make it to the top, but for once I was actually proud of myself just for trying. Not only for showing up for the ride, which I was very nervous about to begin with, but that I made it as far as I did. I thought of Road Raven’s signature: ‘Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow".’ I will try it again, but not today. I need to give my legs a rest.

One other thing I wanted to share was that as I was struggling up the climb, this full kit racer guy was coming down and much to my surprise yelled out words of encouragement to me. There are a lot of elite and snobby cyclists where I live that typically ignore the likes of me and his appearance suggested he was one of them. I really appreciate that he was supporting a novice climber such as myself. Thanks full kit racer guy! :)

Way to go Anika... Hills are something I really struggle with.

Like you, I really appreciate words of encouragement from other riders - especially those who are "full-kit" or "elite". Its nice to know they haven't forgotten what its like to struggle... or perhaps its a shared thing - they acknowledge they struggle just like us, and they bother to struggle because cycling is an awesome thing to do (even when it involves hills!)

:rolleyes:

You did great! I'm jealous because I'd never be able to do anything long and sustained!

I think it's unfortunate that the leader was not forthcoming. I think veterans in any activity tend to underestimate the importance of disclosure of information to new participants.

But, you're better for the experience and will make it to the top next time!

You know, Anika, when i see the name "Colorado" I think hills. Having said that
I really identify with your demons. I can't figure out why I have so much trouble with hills. My husband is always saying that I'm such a good hill climber, but they are SO HARD. Even hills I have done before, I would SO appreciate just the smallest improvement. While he's going up our 6% grade sustained hill on HIS favorite close to home route, he's in the middle or top chain ring. me, I'm struggling with the last little cassette rings on my lower chain ring. I'm panting,
trying to keep my breathing under control, and all I can think about is how nice the top of that 1.5 mile hill is going to feel.

It sounds like considering they basically lied about what your ride was going to be, you did exceptionally well.
Keep trying, and I will too.

Good job Anika.

Stuff like this is why people drop club rides. Then the club will meet and talk about membership and wonder why these people aren't coming back.