Hilly Hundred? Need advice

I am seriously considering doing the hilly hundred this year, but haven't really trained on hills. Am I completely nuts?

I am in the best shape I have been in in a long time, and have logged more than 3000 (mostly flat) miles for the summer. I have done 4 centuries this year, 2 were pretty flat, one was somewhat hilly (apple cider) and one was hilly (wright stuff). I was pleased to find the hills on those rides doable. But the hilly hundred? It sounds like fun, but . . .

I would appreciate any words of wisdom from anyone who has done that ride - even if you say that I shouldn't attempt it without more training.

Thanks in advance!

I've never done the Hilly, but I can speak to training in the flats and then coming to the hills.

What you have in the flats is WIND. That's a strength-builder as good as any hill (and mentally much more brutal IMO).

The first week in May, one week after I came back to the hills this spring, I did a tough 61-mile ride with about 4500 feet of mostly steep climbs. Not only was it my first hills since November other than a couple of short rides the week before - it was also my first ride over 50 miles in the same amount of time. Riding in FL is so boring and the wind is so brutal that nobody I ride with goes any farther than that! My FD wouldn't shift into the small ring for the first, and steepest, 10 miles (three 15% hills and about 1400 feet of climbing just in that segment). :eek: And to top it off, the people I was with are riders that are a good deal stronger than I am on the best of days. I was suffering pretty good by the end of it - actually I took a bypass and cut off about 5 miles and 500 feet from what the others did, but if it was a goal event I definitely could've done the whole thing.

How's your shifting technique? Are you comfortable standing and sitting in a climb? As long as you have hill technique, and don't try to stick with too fast of a group before you've sounded out your strength, you should be fine.

I did the ride 2 years ago with half as many miles as you and didn't have any trouble and I ride a compact. It's an enjoyable, beautiful, well-organized ride with LOTS of people. If you are worried about the hills, stay away from the fried chicken and ice cream for lunch (they feed you very well) because there is always a whopper of a hill right after the lunch stop. Take your checkbook with you too because there are lots of vendors there with end of the year merchandise. Most of the hills are rollers and there is only one that is a really tough--and that's right at the end. If you have that many miles on your legs, you shouldn't have any trouble.

Go for it! The hills are steep in sections, but not that long, you will be fine!

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Originally Posted by Mr. SR500

Go for it! The hills are steep in sections, but not that long, you will be fine!

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+1. If this helps at all, a lot of the people who successfully do the Hilly are very casual riders and have far less mileage/experience than you do. Plus, it's only 50 miles each day. The worst that happens on any given climb is that you have to stop and walk. No big deal, right?

Just remember to be mindful of all the riders around you. It's a crowded ride at times and, as I indicated above, some of the riders are not terribly experienced.

The ride is late in October this year so dressing it can be a challenge. It may be quite chilly in the morning but warm by midday (assuming the sun is out). So bring clothes that you can layer.

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

I did the ride 2 years ago with half as many miles as you and didn't have any trouble and I ride a compact. It's an enjoyable, beautiful, well-organized ride with LOTS of people. If you are worried about the hills, stay away from the fried chicken and ice cream for lunch (they feed you very well) because there is always a whopper of a hill right after the lunch stop. Take your checkbook with you too because there are lots of vendors there with end of the year merchandise. Most of the hills are rollers and there is only one that is a really tough--and that's right at the end. If you have that many miles on your legs, you shouldn't have any trouble.

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If I do the Hilly, it will most likely be with a compact, so am I am glad to hear that you didn't have any trouble. However, would you say that it is generally inadvisable? I have a spare triple that I could theoretically install, but I was thinking of putting that on my friend's bike to convince him to ride with me. But do you think that we should both have triples? (I climb a little better than her does) My compact has served me well on the few hilly rides I have done this year, but I just don't know what I will need for this ride.

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Originally Posted by chicagogal

If I do the Hilly, it will most likely be with a compact, so am I am glad to hear that you didn't have any trouble. However, would you say that it is generally inadvisable? I have a spare triple that I could theoretically install, but I was thinking of putting that on my friend's bike to convince him to ride with me. But do you think that we should both have triples? (I climb a little better than her does) My compact has served me well on the few hilly rides I have done this year, but I just don't know what I will need for this ride.

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It really depends on the gearing of each and the strength/fitness of the rider. My compact is set up with a 13-26 cassette (while my triple has a 12-25 cassette). I have one more smaller gear on my triple, but I've never really missed it when using my compact, even on steeper climbs. Now, there are a couple of hills on the Hilly that I wouldn't mind having one extra small gear, but that doesn't mean that I absolutely need it. If you like the added insurance of the triple, then by all means use it.

I think that's a personal decision. One person's definition of a tough climb is different from another's depending on where they ride and their fitness level. I have a 50/34 with 12-27 in the back. There are a few hills that I really had to talk to myself on and would have liked to have had a triple just for some reassurance. There are some steep hills but only in sections. Indysteel is correct. You need to be mindful of other riders because it is crowded and there are so many different levels of riders. When you get to a tough hill, people tend to be everywhere and the slowest riders don't always stay to the right.

You sound as though you don't have a lot of confidence. If that's the case, ease your mind and put the triple on--it might make it a little more enjoyable for you--but I don't know that you will need it.

It's a great ride. Very well organized and a lot of fun. You will have a great time.

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

I think that's a personal decision. One person's definition of a tough climb is different from another's depending on where they ride and their fitness level. I have a 50/34 with 12-27 in the back. There are a few hills that I really had to talk to myself on and would have liked to have had a triple just for some reassurance. There are some steep hills but only in sections. Indysteel is correct. You need to be mindful of other riders because it is crowded and there are so many different levels of riders. When you get to a tough hill, people tend to be everywhere and the slowest riders don't always stay to the right.

You sound as though you don't have a lot of confidence. If that's the case, ease your mind and put the triple on--it might make it a little more enjoyable for you--but I don't know that you will need it.

It's a great ride. Very well organized and a lot of fun. You will have a great time.

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Thanks for the advice on being mindful of other riders. Assuming I do the ride I will definitely be careful! I do need to get over my lack of confidence. I am a strong cyclist who really should be able to do this ride. I am definitely leaning towards giving it a try. Now I just have to convince my friend!

Any of you doing it this year?

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Originally Posted by chicagogal

Thanks for the advice on being mindful of other riders. Assuming I do the ride I will definitely be careful! I do need to get over my lack of confidence. I am a strong cyclist who really should be able to do this ride. I am definitely leaning towards giving it a try. Now I just have to convince my friend!

Any of you doing it this year?

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I'm in!!

Been training for a biathlon so haven't been on the bike as much then found out yesterday I have a stress fracture in my right foot:( I won't make it this year but wish I could. It's a great ride.

Oh and one more thing.........If you go to the website (http://www.hillyhundred.org/) it shows you the route, the hills, the grade and how many feet of climb you can expect. Don't let it intimidate you. You will be fine. Be sure to let us know how you did.

Where exactly is the Hilly Hundred? What is the elevation? If it is below 7,000 ft and you have done several Century rides this season, you should be good. Go for it!

It's in southern Indiana.

Do you have a computer that tells you elevation gain? If so, then you have a way of knowing how much climbing you have done on any given ride and can compare it to the climbing on this ride. The route profile says almost 4400 feet the first and either 3500 or 4100 the second (I'm very confused about that part!). If I were you, I'd try to do a two day training ride that involves around 60-75% or more of the distance and climbing that is on this ride. I'd be more focused on the climbing than the distance. Work up to it. Do some shorter climbs in the coming weeks.

I have found it can be quite rewarding to push yourself and see what you can accomplish. The most I had climbed as of the middle of May was 4,500 feet .. about 3 times since January. With the encouragement of my insane climber husband, I embarked on Heartbreak Hundred, a century with 8500 feet of climbing. So I almost doubled the climbing. It hurt. It was really hard. I was really slow. But I did it. And I'm so proud of myself for accomplishing it.

I think if you do some training rides with hills as a focus, you'll know within a couple of weeks of your event if it's something you are ready for. If you can figure out what the grades are like in the event and simulate the hardest climb(s), that would be great training.

I'm guessing you can do it. ;)

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Originally Posted by Jiffer

Do you have a computer that tells you elevation gain? If so, then you have a way of knowing how much climbing you have done on any given ride and can compare it to the climbing on this ride. The route profile says almost 4400 feet the first and either 3500 or 4100 the second (I'm very confused about that part!). If I were you, I'd try to do a two day training ride that involves around 60-75% or more of the distance and climbing that is on this ride. I'd be more focused on the climbing than the distance.

I think if you do some training rides with hills as a focus, you'll know within a couple of weeks of your event if it's something you are ready for. If you can figure out what the grades are like in the event and simulate the hardest climb(s), that would be great training.

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Excellent advice. Spot on!!

We have mapped out several hill rides on 'our' side of the state that mimic the Hilly as far as length, gradient, and number/type of hills. We ride thousands of miles per year, but there's no substitute for hill training. For me, it's a mental thing -- nothing says "Suck it up!" quite like climbing for a mile, rounding a curve or cresting what you mistakenly thought was the top, only to realize that thare's still more snarly climbing to do.

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Originally Posted by HoosierGiant

Excellent advice. Spot on!!

We have mapped out several hill rides on 'our' side of the state that mimic the Hilly as far as length, gradient, and number/type of hills. We ride thousands of miles per year, but there's no substitute for hill training. For me, it's a mental thing -- nothing says "Suck it up!" quite like climbing for a mile, rounding a curve or cresting what you mistakenly thought was the top, only to realize that thare's still more snarly climbing to do.

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That's one of the best hill climb challenge / wording (whatever I am trying to spit out here lol) descriptions I have ever heard. Love it! :cool:

Getting to the top of a hard hill is a nice life stress release too. Sometimes when the rest of life is crazy outta control... something about that sense of accomplishemnt--overcoming what you thought you might not be able to... is satisfying and calming. Not that the average non-cycling population might see it this way:rolleyes:...

OKAAAYYY... back to on topic post to this thread lol:o.

Amen! There is one on the Hilly Hundred that will do that for you.......Mt. Tabor I think they call it. What a confidence builder! It's the toughest climb of the bunch and just when you get to the top there is a turn and another pitch. When you make it you just want to get off your bike and say "WoooHoooo" but instead you just play it cool and keep riding while you are smiling inside to yourself. My how we like to suffer!

Just wondering if you did the Hilly Hundred, Chicagogal.

You know I'm curious. I did the Hilly this year and I did it on my Bianchi for the first time. It has a triple so I'm thinking no problem I had already done it on the Lemond that is a compact double. So I'm creeping up Mount Tabor and thinking dang this seems just as hard as the freaking Lemond what gives? I made it up (woo hoo!) Tabor and I am waiting for my boyfriend (give him a break he took a nasty spill mountain biking and now has a dislocated finger and is riding nearly one handed;)). I'm looking at my rear cogs while I'm waiting and I notice its a 9 not a 10. Would that make climbing harder? :confused:

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Originally Posted by WindingRoad

You know I'm curious. I did the Hilly this year and I did it on my Bianchi for the first time. It has a triple so I'm thinking no problem I had already done it on the Lemond that is a compact double. So I'm creeping up Mount Tabor and thinking dang this seems just as hard as the freaking Lemond what gives? I made it up (woo hoo!) Tabor and I am waiting for my boyfriend (give him a break he took a nasty spill mountain biking and now has a dislocated finger and is riding nearly one handed;)). I'm looking at my rear cogs while I'm waiting and I notice its a 9 not a 10. Would that make climbing harder? :confused:

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The fact that it's a 9-speed cog, rather than a 10-speed cog, in itself won't make climbing harder. By the same token, a triple, rather than a compact, doesn't in itself make climbing easier. The size of the cogs and the chainrings, taken together, is ultimately the determining factor. Keep in mind, too, that Mt. Tabor is just a tough climb. Short of mountain gearing, it's not going to be "easy."

If you want to compare the gearing on both bikes, find out the size of your cogs and chainrings and enter them on Sheldon Brown's gear calculator.

Making it up Mt. Tabor is an accomplishment no matter what gearing you have! It's a real booger! Good job.

I rode a compact double at the Hilly 2 years ago and made it up Mt. Tabor--just barely. I was envious of the folks that had triples but it sounds like that doesn't always make it easier.

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

Just wondering if you did the Hilly Hundred, Chicagogal.

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Oh, sadly I didn't do it. My cycling partner and I had decided to do it, but only Sunday b/c he had to work Sat. We were going to drive sat night and ride sunday morning - were in the processes of booking a hotel when I realized that I had tickets for the ballet on sat night . . . so in the end it was impossible for both of us. I was really dissapointed about not doing it, and especially now that I read about how much fun it was. But I'll do it next year, with a little more advance planning so that I can make a weekend of it without other obligations getting in the way!

By the way, I did get a couple of very nice ride in that weekend anyway, so it wasn't a whole waste cycling-wise. That made me feel a little better!

Thatagirl! Maybe I'll see you there next year!

Congrats on the climb...Mt. Tabor is a bear. For the first time, this year I was apprehensive...but still made it.

See ya' next year!