I am very new to Mt Biking (just started in June) really any kind of biking - first one I have ever owned...AND I LOVE IT!!! any way I am sooo addicted now.

Because I live in the foothills I have very easy access to hills - no let me change that - MOUNTAINS! When I started a few months ago, I could barely stay on the bike and go... I am now actually climbing said mountains, but...

I think I am finally getting the hang of the gearing but would love your knowledge and wisdom on HOW

I am now able to make it up the hills that I placed as my goals, but I just think I could be doing it with less effort?! I ride up, up, up until I have no gears, breath or strength left then stop, rest, and start all over again - any advice???

Most of my uphill is on the road or paved trails - the downhill is almost always trails - but I will save that for another day - hahaha

Yesterday I was almost to the top of my goal-hill and it seemed like it almost clicked in my head - I think I am over working myself - or working against myself and the bike- cuz at this particular point it seemed like I stopped struggling so much and was easing my way up...unfortunately a car stopped me for directions - I lost whatever IT was that I had succeded at and couldn't regain that - um I don't know if you would call it momentum or zone or what but after that it was gone

Thanks in advance for your help ~Janice