cadence

[indysteel]

Hills are still my nemesis, but I'm happy to report that I've gotten better at them. There are still a few, however, that make my palms sweat just thinking about them. And I've had to walk up more than one.

IMO, there's a big learning and fitness curve for them. I had been riding about three months when I did the Hilly Hundred last year. I thought I was going to die. I knew nothing about gearing and my heart rate went through the roof. I've learned a lot since then and have, thank goodness, gotten a better aerobic base. I've gotten better at the mind game, too. This hill will not beat me, this hill will not beat me!

I went on a hillly ride this June called JAWS and was lucky enough to have a very experienced friend with me. His input was invaluable. From his observations, I realized that I wasn't pacing myself very well. By hitting the hill in too easy a gear, I was basically spinning out and blowing up. Now I hit the base of the hill (these are hills, not rollers) a little more slowly in a slightly harder gear and try maintain a steady and controlled pace. He was chiding me the other day about not keeping up with him and I finally had to remind him that I was taking his advice and doing the hills at my pace.

[ginny]

So, today I focused on increasing my cadence (went on a pretty flat ride). I rode with five or six other friends, and tried to pace myself at how fast their legs were turning over. I didn't have any 'blow up' issues. Maybe getting used to spinning those legs faster on the flat will translate to the hills for me... Anyway, it was fun (forgot the metronome - there's always next time ), and it's fun to ride with a group and realize I don't truly suck!