Hills Question

I'm new to this site and am soooo happy I have found it. I started riding in March 2006 and am training for my first event, Hilly Hundred in Bloomington, IN. The ride is 50 miles one day and 50 miles the next day. I am not worried about the miles as I have been riding 50 miles every weekend and I ride 25 - 35 miles three to four times during the week. My fear is the hills and riding with a large number of people. So far, I have heard they have 6500 riders. I am worried about going down hill. I tend to want to ride the brakes. I have no problems going up. Any suggestions, tips, tricks to riding in a large group and going down hill?

Thanks,
Scraphappy

As you are climbing, inform the group around you that you are a newbie and to give you a wide berth traveling down hill. My biggest advice is go as slow as you feel comfortable going but please stay in your line, do not swerve. Those going faster will pass hopefully on your left but it's hard when a rider is "squirrelly". Remember to call out, in a loud voice, any actions you plan on taking such as slowing or stopping and also call out debris or hazards. Best also to stay as far right as possible allowing the faster riders the left side to pass.

When BC says, stay far right as you pass... also bear in mind that if you in turn are passing to keep well to your left

Also, do not "half-wheel" - that is riding at the same pace as another rider, fairly close, with your front wheel almost parallel to their rear wheel.

When two riders like this connect (that is the rear rider's front wheel taps the rider-in-front's rear wheel - the cyclist at the back will usually go down.

Mostly cycling is about common sense and being aware of your position in relation to others, and warning others nearby if you are going to change your position - that is, pull out, swerve to avoid something on the road, apply your brakes etc.

I tend to descend much more slowly than my training partners... I always stay well back from any cyclist in front of me, but when I ride with others who descend at a similar pace to myself I endeavour to still stay back, but pace myself to their speed.

When I am passing, I usually go out almost to the middle of the road, and avoid doing it on corners as cyclists tend to ride the best line for efficiency, which is not usually a consistent distance from the edge of the road.

You've been riding a while now so must have a good feel for your bike... relax and enjoy the experience.

Hey Scraphappy,
You should have no problem. Last year was my first Hilly and we started riding the last week of June. That was only 3.5 months to prepare. The hills are decent and I don't remember any wrecks. Our neighbor drove SAG all weekend and reported no accidents other than a couple who were on their tandem that fell in the parking lot!

In preperation for the HH, my friend and I did 42 miles yesterday that had 4000 ft of climbing. I was one tired girl yesterday! Where are you staying? How many are there of you? We are planning on camping again in the school parking lot and will be having a pot luck for those who want to come Friday night! You're more than invited!

Jeni

The advice you have been given is good. Most importantly, act in a consistent manner. If you are going to go down slowly, move over to the right and start that way. Someone on a consistent line and a consistent pace is pretty easy to avoid. Someone making sudden movements or suddenly putting the brakes on can cause problems. If you "ride the brakes" though, it sounds like you are the former. Go for it!