Hill Climbing Q

[archibella]

Hello all! Just wanted to start by saying you guys are great, and I've learned lots so far just by reading, Thanks! A little background before my question: I bought a used road bike (trek 1000) in feb. from a guy who was getting out of riding, and have since been out on 5-6 rides-- my first being a 25 mile (flat)- in the rain, lol! But I had a blast. I did a few 13-15 mile rides with one of the LBS in the area, and have made the trip to the grocery store twice . Tuesday I decided to try a 20 mile ride with a different LBS- I called and asked them if this was suitable for a newbie, and they assured me I'd be fine. When I got there, however, the group was mostly guys who race and do triathalon. They left me in the dust! One or two people did stick back to make sure I made all the right turns though-- that I appreciated. I kinda did myself in by trying to keep up with the pack though. The ride was a short ride in, and then a loop that you do 5 times. At the end of that loop, there is a MONSTER hill! They talked me through doing a standing climb (in the dark mind you), but I still feel like a total clutz. I wobble from side to side, and by the 3rd time through I wasn't riding anything close to a straight line. I finally got off and walked up the fourth time, because I decided the embarrassement of walking would be better than wiping out , and the last loop I just waited through-- I really should have tried to pace myself in the beginning. I know more experience will make the climbing part better, but can anybody offer some hints to make it feel more stable? Thanks for reading! cheers-

[CorsairMac]

Well first and foremost: congrats on sticking it out and trying to find out how to make it better instead of giving up! That's half the battle right there. As for making it more stable: not sure what you're asking. When I stand up in the pedals I'm not only leaned way over the handlebars but I rock the bike from side to side especially if I'm climbing. Is that what you were talking about? Also, being a newbie rider and climbing a monster hill not once, not twice but 4 xs makes you a super-woman in my books!
PS: welcome to the board and glad you're finding it as fun as I do! If you get a chance, there's a thread under the open titled "getting to know you". Gives you a chance to learn more about us and tell us more about you.

[SadieKate]

Welcome to the zaniness! I suspect a lot of your instability was just fatigue. From your description, you had a heck of a workout on that ride. I suspect if you go back and do that ride at your pace, you'll find that you are much more stable.

Fatigue and hill makes us all wobbly. A little practice when you aren't anaerobic will also help you smooth out your standing stroke.

[archibella]

Hi, thanks for the reply! What you described- the rocking from side to side and leaning forward- thats what I did, but I wasn't sure if I was supposed to rock, or if you use your bodyweight or just your leg muscles to push? I think my biggest thing is I'm afraid of losing my balance, and the rocking from side to side seems a little precarious. I'm still not totally comfy with the clipless pedals either... I'm gonna try practicing this again on the flat tonight, so cross your fingers, lol.

[CorsairMac]

Wooohoo another clipless!! Holy Toledo do we have clipless stories! As for the rocking - watch pro racers. Some rock their bikes so far I wonder how it stays on the road!!! Some don't rock at all. It's what works best for each person. If you're not comfortable with that style, then work with your bike until you find what fits you. Like SadieKate said, try that hill at your own pace without being anaerobic and I'll bet it's a whole different climb.

[snapdragen]

A climbing guide:

http://www.imt.net/~yvcc/jeff_hill/index.htm

I try to stay seated and spin up hills, but I've got lousy knees. Hills do get easier with practice, hang in there!

[CorsairMac]

"As for your hands, they should be placed on the brake hoods (not like Marco Pantani, pictured at right). Don’t climb in the drops like this unless you’re Italian, and you’re great."

Loved that line!