Quote Originally Posted by shewhobikes
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!
I think that's a FABULOUS mantra! Who needs poetry when you're workin' your butt off ... I want something succinct and full of power!

Thanks for the kudos. I know I haven't begun to tackle the toughest hills down here yet, but one of these days I will. And with all the great input I'm getting on this thread I trust that I will soon be up to the challenge.

It's funny, having never ridden anything but a hybrid, I guess I'm oblivious to my "handicap." My fiance says (in his ever-supportive, ever-modest way), your bike weighs at least 5 pounds more than mine, and you're pushing that much more up the hill!! So sweet of him. Of course, I can easily carry an extra 5 pounds the week before my period, so I don't see how 5 pounds of weight is going to make that much difference. I guess I'll just look forward to that day I get a road bike and find myself flying effortlessly up every hill. That's the way it will be, right? :wink:

I really do appreciate all the feedback and great advice.

Shelley