I've read the other threads on hill climbing, but I just can't seem to beat this problem that I have. We don't have long hills around here, but we do have short and quite steep ones. I have this problem with loosing my momentum rather early and then wind up spinning/grinding up the hill at 6mph - though perhaps that isn't so bad.

Next weekend I am going on a ride in the southern part of the state - THAT ride has a hill with a 1.5 mile climb. I know that hills are at least as much mental as they are physical.

Any tips on how I can maintain my momentum longer? I suspect that I am gearing down too soon - just trying to work this out in my head.