Inclines, Hills and shifting

[Owlie]

You know, I'm starting to think I'm living in the wrong place if I want to keep riding...

[lizbinsocali]

Glad I saw this thread. I just joined a cycling club and they have lots of great rides on the weekends with plenty of hills. And honestly, if I'm riding by myself, I just won't do them!! Yesterday, on our club ride, we went up a canyon road in Malibu, CA. It took me TWO HOURS to climb that sucker since my ave speed was between 4-5 mph (and sometimes even 3.5!) and the stretch of road was about 10 miles long. Whew!! And yea, I did have to stop a few times and it was hard, but I DID IT!! It has motivated me to take on more hills, even by myself. So I appreciate all the advice and tips here!

Will be doing my first organized century ride in about 3 weeks and there will be some climbing although not as much as what I did yesterday!

Happy climbing everyone!
Liz

[schnitzle]

Glad I saw this thread. I just joined a cycling club and they have lots of great rides on the weekends with plenty of hills. And honestly, if I'm riding by myself, I just won't do them!! Yesterday, on our club ride, we went up a canyon road in Malibu, CA. It took me TWO HOURS to climb that sucker since my ave speed was between 4-5 mph (and sometimes even 3.5!) and the stretch of road was about 10 miles long. Whew!! And yea, I did have to stop a few times and it was hard, but I DID IT!! It has motivated me to take on more hills, even by myself. So I appreciate all the advice and tips here!

Will be doing my first organized century ride in about 3 weeks and there will be some climbing although not as much as what I did yesterday!

Happy climbing everyone!
Liz

Wow talk about sticktoitiveness! Great job Liz!! You're doing a century in 3 weeks? that's fantastic.

[TrekTheKaty]

It took me 4 years to stand. No hurry on that. Learning to feel comfortable shifting is the key. Just keep practicing and you'll get in better shape. I used to try to build up speed and "attack" the hill, but this doesn't really do anything except make my legs burn and increase my heart rate before I even start up the hill