Optimum weight for hills?

[Catrin]

I've lost 30 pounds since October 1, and continue to work out at 5 days a week between spinning/weight lifting/training (not counting cycling/hiking activities). I am trying to figure out how far down I need to go - but I know it is about more than just a number on a scale. I also need strength and muscle to be able to become mistress of the hills

Is there a way of knowing when we have reached the optimum weight? Obviously practice and cardiovascular endurance is a part of the equation as well, so it is far more nuanced than a simple number. How have others approached this?

I LOVE going downhill, but one must go up first

[KnottedYet]

No.
Just ride.

When you can zoom up a hill without trouble, you know you are at optimum fitness. Weight has very little to do with it. I actually weighed MORE by the time I was able to climb the monster hill on my commute.

Weight is just a number, and has no meaning.

Focus on the bike, not the scale.

[indysteel]

I tend to think that "optimum weight," at least for anybody who isn't a professional or competitive cyclist, should be determined by something other than climbing. Strive for a weight that feels like a healthy weight for your body type and age, that makes you feel strong and athletic, and that you can realistically maintain. If you consistently do both cardio, including hill training, and strength building work, then your climbing will take care of itself. If it helps, I know a lot of really good climbers who aren't necessarily thin. I also know that at any given weight, my climbing ability had more to do with the amount of hill training I was doing than my actual weight.

[KnottedYet]

We have a member of TE who does Ironman triathlons, yet was technically "obese."

She wrote a great story once about her experience at the doctor's office shortly after an Ironman, how she got a lecture about needing to lose weight and exercise...

Weight really means nothing. Ride, ride, ride!

[limewave]

We have a member of TE who does Ironman triathlons, yet was technically "obese."

She wrote a great story once about her experience at the doctor's office shortly after an Ironman, how she got a lecture about needing to lose weight and exercise...

Weight really means nothing. Ride, ride, ride!

I'd like to read that story.

[KnottedYet]

I know her real name, but can't remember her TE name! There's a really good video a friend of hers did of one of the Ironmans.

[Trek420]

I think it's this one. Soundtrack has some off color words hence the warning. Well done film though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGFx4xWnnnI