I would have to say be ready for the hills. Drop down to a gear that lets you continue a steady cadence w/o losing momentum, but not have too hard a gear which will cause you to have to shift down again going up, losing more momentum. I usually stay seated on the hills and stand up on the small section before you crest the top and then go on over. Then switch to a harder gear as you roll downhill to keep going. I try to do this as well, but sometimes I have my gear not low enough to not switch either, but I keep trying. Hope this helps. I'm sure the others will give plenty of advice as well. Jenn