Do you sit or stand going up hills?

[indysteel]

LOL So the long and short of it answer is: "Whatever gets you up that hill!"

Amen. I will (proudly) say that after a couple of years of riding, hills are getting easier. When I first started, I had a huge phobia about them. Now I feel a lot calmer and that certainly helps with breathing, form and technique. I'm determined to make one with my inner goat this year. It's a good thing, since I'm doing a weeklong tour in northeastern Tennessee in September!

I do think it pays to play around with various climbing techniques and to recognize, too, that as you get stronger and fitter, your preferred way of tackling a given hill may change a bit. I went on a hilly ride this weekend with a number of strong climbers and it was interesting to see that we each attacked the hills a little differently. Some spun, some mashed, some stood, some stayed seated. We all seemed more or less in our comfort zone so there's no one way to get to the top.

[GLC1968]

Oh, and on the note of getting up hills - one thing a very experienced hill climber told me once... He said to smile when climbing. Smiling relaxes the muscles in your face and if your face isn't tense, your upper body will follow suit. This makes climbing (particularly the multi-mile climbs) a lot more bearable. I swear it helps!

(Plus, people see you and think you are nuts - and that's always good for an internal giggle or two )

[OakLeaf]

smile when climbing....(Plus, people see you and think you are nuts - and that's always good for an internal giggle or two )

Speaking of people thinking you're nuts. I was watching the pros stick out their tongues in the TdF during hard climbs and sprints, and decided to try it, and it really helps open the airway! You have to stick it out hard enough to feel the pull at the back of your throat, try to touch your chin with your tongue.