Linda, I hope your rib is OK. I was interested in the advice you got. I think I also approach some hills in too low a gear because i always just spin up hills on the road and i can do that quite well and not so slowly! I find it hard to stand when I climb, it kills my knees. I always bail at the same point on a hill with obstacles; i just feel like I am going to fall over. I usually unclip one foot before i start, just in case. The thought of having that heavy bike on top of me doesn't thrill me. Plus, all this stuff about picking a line... at first I didn't know what the **** people were talking about. I get it now, but it seems like I tend to change my mind about where to go as I go, or my bike is changing its direction because I'm a sucky rider! At least I am getting used to staying clipped in except on the really scary stuff.
Hope you feel better.

Robyn (who also has no slow speed or any other speed balance)