new strategy & mantra for the hills

There was another hill climbing tips thread earlier, and I have to say, it had the best tip for me so far. I alternate getting out of the saddle and sitting down. I'm on a double and I'm not sure the size of the cassette. I know it's a racing bike, so what I'm saying is that I HAVE no granny gears. With that in mind, I'm always in my lowest gear on a climb. But the alternating out of the saddle and back in is fabulous! I ride a bit in the saddle, gear up one or two and get out. Before my legs actually get tired, I plop back down in the saddle, drop the gear back to the lowest and go for a while longer. Then, once again before my legs are tired, I grear back up and get back out of the saddle. It's true, you can go forever doing that. And it's very efficient in that it uses about every muscle you can use rather than just tiring out the ones out of the saddle or sitting for the climb. My legs are getting stronger more quickly and I'm no longer getting that "wow, I can't climb these two steps...I have no blood in my legs" feeling the next day.

Great day today--super weather and uplifting riding!!

I have also had lung problems, but sometimes it was hard to decide which was worse--the lungs or the legs! After reading this thread a few days ago, I decided to push the legs harder. Today I had a great ride, not long (13 miles on my mt bike) on a smooth trail with a steady grade--a super local ride along the Carrabassett River. I rode it better and faster than ever. Now I must say it was a combination of things 1)lost 18 lbs thus summer on weight watchers, 2) riding short rides 3-4 days a week (but I did a 40 miles road bike ride on Weds), and walking the other days, weather permitting, and 3)really trying to improve my pedaling technique.

I thought I had someone else's legs and lungs with me!! Was really psyched. Not bad for a 62 year old !

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oldbikah

Great day today--super weather and uplifting riding!!

I have also had lung problems, but sometimes it was hard to decide which was worse--the lungs or the legs! After reading this thread a few days ago, I decided to push the legs harder. Today I had a great ride, not long (13 miles on my mt bike) on a smooth trail with a steady grade--a super local ride along the Carrabassett River. I rode it better and faster than ever. Now I must say it was a combination of things 1)lost 18 lbs thus summer on weight watchers, 2) riding short rides 3-4 days a week (but I did a 40 miles road bike ride on Weds), and walking the other days, weather permitting, and 3)really trying to improve my pedaling technique.

I thought I had someone else's legs and lungs with me!! Was really psyched. Not bad for a 62 year old !

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*Queen bowing to oldbikah* Woman I am in awe!!!

Bikah, you are the goddess, goddess, GODDESS!!

Bikah, I thought I might be the most senior member of this group at 58 years young. I did my first 40 mile ride last Monday. I might try for 50 miles tomorrow. Way to go Bikah. You are my new hero!

Bikah, I also am in the half century age group. I started riding about a year and a half ago after losing 40 lbs. w/WW & I love it.
Isn't it awesome to feel so good?! If only I'd discovered biking years ago!

You are my hero! :)