went on my first club ride!

[mhtrek]

I was so excited but nervous last night. It was my first ride with other cyclists. I did great except I was lagging on the hills. I was the last one on every hill that we climbed. I guess I just need to train hills. Anyone have advice on how to train. What worked for you guys? I want to just bomb up those hills next time! Thanks girls
Megan

[maillotpois]

Good for you for going out on a club ride - that can be intimidating!

The best way to get faster on hills is to practice. Keep riding hills. Do hill repeats (there's a thread on this somewhere). Practice shifting before you need to, and spinning in a comfortable gear. If you practice, you will improve.

[RoadRaven]

Woohoo, MH!!
I have been on my first two rides with the local club in May. The first was a TT, so essentially I rode by myself, but the second was a road race and it was a bit intimidating - but once I got there, and started, it was fun and exciting and i am looking forward to the next.
The race last weekend was cancelled due to atrocious weather (heavy driving rain almost impossible to see in) so I am hoping for better weather this weekend. Its a flat course (my main weakness is hills).

Looking forward to reading more about your club rides... as for advice on hill rides, have a look at this current thread

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=6323

and if you want more, do a search for hills, because they are mentioned not infrequently in this forum

[mhtrek]

Thanks you guys for your input! I'm going to go ride hills tonight! you guys have got me pumped! I'll let you know how it goes. Take care and keep riding!!!!!!!!!!

[Wizzer]

One of the best things I have found it actually taking a spinning class. It's a little different than riding outside, but it has helped to make those hills a little easier to climb I can tell you that. Hills are my stronger point. I agree that shifting that gear when you see it coming is a major part of finding what you can do in what gear and once you get that momentum going, there'll be no stopping you!

Good luck with your hill training, practice, practice!

Wizzer

[KSH]

Way to go!

Yes, hills can be a huge challenge. You just have to keep riding them to get better.

For me, to get up those hills... I focus on the top of the hill and making it up as quick as I can. I also focus on making a full rotation with my foot and not pedaling on my tippy-toes.

Because of this, I tend to speed up going up hills, instead of slowing down.