I am going to do it!

[Lucky, Fabulous]

Update - I did it! I feel awesome today! I am going to start riding to work at least once a week. For those that are interested, I did sit and spin up those big hills. It was slow going, but hopefully it will get better with practice.

[kerrybelle]

I just started commuting myself! It does make you feel great doesn't it? Of course, it will get a little worse here as the temps & humidity rise over the summer.

I work a 4 day week (M,T,TH & F) and am planning to commute at least twice a week.

[Melalvai]

For those that are interested, I did sit and spin up those big hills. It was slow going, but hopefully it will get better with practice.

I'm really glad to hear that. I believe that anyone can get up most hills by not trying to do it too fast. I know there are mountains and really steep grades that are impossible. I think most people who talk about having to walk up a hill though, could do it if they tried to do it slower.

I could be wrong--but your experience seems to support my theory. So I was really happy to read this!

My boss was telling me he takes a street that I'd avoid, to avoid a hill on a parallel frontage road and gets a lot less traffic. I know exactly which hill he means and I don't consider it to be one of the worst hills. I am 100% certain he could make it up that hill if he would slow down.

[bikerHen]

I am a huge believer of the sit and spin technique. I learned last year when I started climbing hills with my compact double that I was NEVER going to make it up a hill pushing myself. I just sit back now and enjoy the ride while I spin up those hills going just fast enough to not fall over. I recently made it up the local "doomsday" hill with a fully loaded BOB trailer and I had plenty of air and leg left when I got to the top. I'll never be the first one to the top. Instead, I'll be the one that enjoyed the ride up and is ready for more! bikerHen

[sgtiger]

Way to go, LuckyFab! That's so awesome and inspiring. Those hills will get easier with time. Just don't ask me how long - I'm not there yet.