Woohoo! First real hill ride

[hilldweller]

I live on a ridge. When I moved here there was only one sealed road up the hill, but a couple of years ago a second route was also sealed, providing the possibility of a loop ride down the hill, along the flat, back up the hill and along the top on a road bike. That was when I started wanting to get back into biking again

Finally got a bike at Christmas, but it needed repairs so didn't actually get going until a month or so ago. After a few practice rides on the flat and a small foray up part of the hill last week which sent me screaming off to the bike shop for brake lever adjustments, this morning I decided that today was the day for the whole loop . It wasn't pretty, I was puffing like a steam train, on the steepest section going up I had to stop three times in the space of a couple of hundred metres , but I did ride the whole way (not much choice in cleats ) and didn't fall out of the pedals It's scary when you're in your lowest gear, can barely keep enough speed to stay upright, and desperately need to get your feet out before collapsing to a halt Clipping back in was equally hairy. Just as well it's a quiet road. Going down was completely un-nerving. Was trying to remember to keep my weight back and feather the brakes rather than clamping them on the whole way, but it was just so steep and I'm a complete wuss! I actually checked the brake pads when I stopped at the bottom to un-cramp my fingers, to make sure there was still some rubber left

It's only about a 15k loop but it's a fair-sized hill for an out of condition newbie - 300m (1000 ft approx) altitude, very very steep on the route I took down, not quite as bad on the other road back up. No way was I going to attempt it in reverse LOL. So now the plan is to improve fitness over the next month or so and then try the loop again. It can only get easier....

[crazycanuck]

NZ=hills.. I'm sure you'll find many more to keep you occupied!

Good luck on the hill rides & remember to have fun looking at the greenery

[redrhodie]

Yay! You did it! Now you know you can, and it will get a little easier every time. Someday, you will ride it the opposite way, too. Never say never.

[Biciclista]

even a short hilly loop can be great exercise! I have a 6 or 7 k ride to get home up a hill every day. I think it has contributed a lot to my health.

[Zen]

You neighborhood sounds similar to mine.
There was an incident when I was grinding up the hill and didn't have any more to give, couldn't get clipped out and resigned myself to just falling over.

Congratulations on making it to the top!
(downhills unnerve me too)

[PamNY]

Congratulations. I can't even imagine doing it clipped in. It will be easier from now on!

Pam

[tctrek]

Good for you! That sounds like one nasty hill! Next time it will be easier just because you'll know how it feels.

[withm]

You neighborhood sounds similar to mine.
There was an incident when I was grinding up the hill and didn't have any more to give, couldn't get clipped out and resigned myself to just falling over.

Congratulations on making it to the top!
(downhills unnerve me too)

lol that was ME on the She Got Bike ride last fall....

[Zen]

Did you fall?!

[withm]

Did you fall?!

LOL no I managed npt to fall, but came very close riding up the hill at about 1mph and trying to get unclipped before I fell. I debated trying to just turn across the road and go DOWN so I could get off the bike but with the hills and curves there was sure to be a car coming as soon as I attempted a manuever like that.

The next hill (and the next 5 I think) I got to a certain point and got off the bike BEFORE I fell. Walked 'em all.

Not too proud to walk

[mcminn]

Well done! What part of NZ are you in?

[hilldweller]

Not too proud to walk

LOL. Think I need a t-shirt with 'she loves hills' on one side and 'not too proud to walk' on the other

McMinn - near Dunedin. You?

Thanks for the encouragement everyone

[mcminn]

AKL. Hey, nobody is perfect