Hi Lynne - sounds like you've been having fun on your bike.

From your post there's so many things in there that really ring bells with when I first started out - going well on the flat, finding hills/ non-flat v. hard going and getting hungry, not to mention the big gear thing.

What I've noticed from my own riding is that if I have any time off the bike , or seriously reduced riding, like over the winter, it's my fitness on the hills that goes first. I can still tap along nicely on the flat but throw in a slope and I'm gasping! Basically the more you ride, the fitter you'll get and the easier the slopes will become. Sounds like you've been doing some good distance rides already.

Have you got any sloping, non - flat stuff near you? Even if it's only a small section? If so, then try riding it as often as you can and each week keep a note on how you're doing. In a matter of weeks you'll be amazed at what you can do.

There are few slopes/ mounds round where I ride - like the crossing up and over a main road - which I used to find tricky when I started but now I barely notice them.

Keep at it Lynne - sounds like you're doing great!

BTW - spin those legs. Despite what they'd have you believe knees are delicate little flowers that like to be treated kindly. Look after them and they'll look after you.

Enjoy!