Hey Jiffers, read this- post Hurricane ridge!

[mimitabby]

went on a 56 mile ride today; it had flats, rollers, a couple tough hills (White Stallion was one of them). I had to keep up with the rest of the group (unlike last week when I did Hurricane Ridge at my own pace.)
So I got a heck of a workout, and my legs are slightly stiffer afterwards than they were last weekend believe it or not.

What I wanted to tell you was... those nasty hills didn't scare me anymore.
what's a 1 mile hill at 4-9% grade when you've done a mountain? It still wore me out, but while I was doing it... no stress, I just keep pedalling. AMAZING.

The weather couldn't be finer!

[Fredwina]

Yeah mimi!
I was think about today, I saw turn around at San Antonio Dam. I almost told that the steep part was over. I've done Jiffer's hill many a time. Knowing you've done something similar or worse is a big confidence booster

[Tri Girl]

I'm envious that you have those ginormous hills to climb (and jealous of your obvious mad climbing skills).
Congrats on getting up that "hill" and showing it who's boss!!!

[Jiffer]

Hey Mimi! I just read your post. Believe it or not, I broke myself away from this site for several days because of so much going on in my life. I also didn't ride since my big ride I posted about ... until today.

Anyways, I'm so encouraged reading about your ride. Getting up that hill like it's not a huge deal! YAY! Anything with a 9% grade is HUGE! I have learned, however, that #1 ... stressing about it does no good and #2 ... keeping at a consistent "do-able" cadence and pace helps a lot. (As opposed to really trying to push it to make it up, and then hitting the wall in sheer exhaustion. Also, zig zaggin helps when all else fails!

On my big climb, my husband was trying to encourage me to stand at a very slow pace, not pushing too hard like I'm trying to sprint or anything ... and demonstrated how slow he could go while standing without exerting himself too much. But I have to work those muscles more before doing that.

Anyways, good for you on your hilly work out, keeping up with a group and everything!