Good thread! I tackled the longest, steepest hill of my short riding career Saturday before last. It kept going and going and going. I thought we were done until we rounded a curve and here comes another, oh, quarter of a mile straight up with the sun in your face. I had to really talk to myself so as to not get off the bike. Being mid-divorce, I am focused on being strong, so I said, "You are gutsy, you are strong, you can do it" over and over. Well, it worked, though it's not too poetic or original!

A more experienced rider also recommended to me sitting more upright and I find it really helps. She said sitting low and aerodynamic isn't going to help you climbing a hill, given that you are putting more weight on the front wheel, thereby digging into the hill. Makes sense. I shift back a little in the saddle, sit more upright and move my hands back closer to the stem. Opens my lungs up, too, and it seems to help me.

Good luck with those hills!