Did you see that idiot riding up the hill...

[lovelylibrarian]

Wow, your brother was a fat lot of help, wasn't he?

My husband is the same way with my MTN biking. He says I'm a big girl and I will just figure it out. He gives me tips here and there but I'm the kind of person that likes to know what I'm doing before just "going for it" so I'm thinking of joining some group rides with other newbies to get some suggestions.

[Tabby]

I'm the kind of person that likes to know what I'm doing before just "going for it" so I'm thinking of joining some group rides with other newbies to get some suggestions.

Lovelylibrarian - I'm like you and being a new rider found joining in a ladies group ride was super helpful especially when trying a new trail for the first time. Having someone right in front of me familiar to the trail who would kinda forewarn me what was coming helps me feel more prepared as log piles, lots of roots, bridges, etc. came up. After that I'm pretty good alone or leading a small group myself.

[FlyingScot]

Well I tried the hill again. This time I moved my seat up an entire inch and what a difference. I was much more efficient with my pedaling and was able to get up the hill without having to go down that far in the gears. The lack of a headwind probably had an impact as well. In addition I rode farther and on a much hillier (is this a word?) route so by the time I got to this one I was pretty tired. I also stopped looking at the top of the hill and just watched my cadence and the road just in front of my tire (okay I peeked once or twice) but it did make a difference as I found myself at the top before I knew it. I feel much better about my ability and my fitness level now but boy was I hungry when I got home!

[DDH]

I also stopped looking at the top of the hill and just watched my cadence and the road just in front of my tire (okay I peeked once or twice) but it did make a difference as I found myself at the top before I knew it.

I do this too. Someone had told me once to look at the top of the hill and just concentrate on that, but I find it easier when I just look right in front of my tire. I think it tricks my brain into thinking I'm on a flat or something.

If I look at the top of the hill, I'm wondering when it will ever end.

Now I do look up on occasion as to not run into anything and you have to watch ahead a bit.

Good luck on your hill climbing, and kudo's to you for all your hard work.

[OakLeaf]

I was going so slow up a hill yesterday a mosquito chased me down and bit my leg

[Tabby]

I was going so slow up a hill yesterday a mosquito chased me down and bit my leg

But did you finally get up that hill?? That's what counts!