Ok I do this one route that takes onto some pretty big hills. I just got a cyclocomputer too. I am amazed how slow I go when I get to the top. 4 tp 5 mph. AHHHHH! Is that really slow? How can I improve on that? My normal speed at flat ground is around 15-18 mph.
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Thread: uphill advice.
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05-26-2006, 07:04 AM #1
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uphill advice.
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
> Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!
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05-26-2006, 07:07 AM #2
Inner Geekette
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Depends on the hill. Keep riding it and you'll get faster.
Frends know gud humors when dey is hear it. ~ Da Crockydiles of ZZE.
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05-26-2006, 07:09 AM #3
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The sad part is I have been doing this hill for two years now. Is it possible I am at my max?
Originally Posted by SadieKate
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
> Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!
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05-26-2006, 07:10 AM #4
Northern Amazon
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I have a few looooong climbs around here and I frequently go down at 10 km/h (6 mph?). Especially on the steeper parts.
If you're not used to climbs take it easy and for the moment focus on form (continue to spin on lower gears as much as you take, don't spend too much energy swaying your body or grimacing... etc.). Just be happy to get to the top!
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05-26-2006, 07:14 AM #5
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or bunching up your shoulders? I tend to do that a lot and have to always remind myself to relax.
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
> Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!
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05-26-2006, 07:50 AM #6
Ride it Like You Stole It
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Brandi,
I had that same problem and worked on spinning over the winter. Now when I get to a hill I break it down:
Get into a good spin and high speed before I hit the hill.
Down shift BEFORE it gets too hard to pedal because that's where I loose all my speed and momentum.
I find the right gear to spin easy and I concentrate on form: back flat, spin smooth, etc. I may start humming to myself, pick a spot to concentrate on several feet ahead of me and enjoy the ride. If I look at the top of the hill I tend to mash and it's mentally tougher for me. The hills I did yesterday I used to ride around 6 mph and now I'm between 8-10, so yes, practise does help.
Of course, I'm a newbie at this as well, but I've found this to work for me. And before I hit the hill, I'm already chanting to myself "I LOVE hills, hills ROCK, I OWN this hill" and I'm to the top before I know it.
Just have fun with it!Dar
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“Minds are like parachutes...they only function when they are open. - Thomas Dewar"
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05-26-2006, 08:01 AM #7
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hmmmm chanting?
That could work. I am always hoping a really rockin song will come on my mp3 player before I hit the hill. I am on a country road ,not much traffic.Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
> Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!
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05-26-2006, 09:24 AM #8
Northern Amazon
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Now that I think about it... smiling also helps. It gives you energy.
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05-26-2006, 09:42 AM #9
just call me wilma
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Originally Posted by mtbdarby
I totally agree! In fact, the little song from Finding Nemo about 'Just keep swimming' often morphs itself into 'just keep peddling' and runs through my head on tough hills!
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05-26-2006, 10:47 AM #10
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Ha! I can't tell you how many times last year I had "just keep spinning" bounce thru my head Originally Posted by GLC1968
I totally agree! In fact, the little song from Finding Nemo about 'Just keep swimming' often morphs itself into 'just keep peddling' and runs through my head on tough hills!
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05-26-2006, 12:19 PM #11
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that is cute! Originally Posted by GLC1968
I totally agree! In fact, the little song from Finding Nemo about 'Just keep swimming' often morphs itself into 'just keep peddling' and runs through my head on tough hills!Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
> Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!
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05-26-2006, 09:26 AM #12
I like bikes
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i am pokey on hills too. Originally Posted by Brandi
If you have toeclips or frogs, you can PULL as well as push with your legs.
You will be surprised at the boost that gives you. so try focussing on pulling up rather than pushing down on a few pedal strokes..
m
ps it also helps develop a lovely muscle on the front of your shin.
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