How do I stop mashing???

[aicabsolut]

Yep. I'm a masher. Just yesterday, I was trying to keep up with DH on a 30 mile ride. Sometimes, when my quads got tired, I would downshift and spin faster to rest. My speed would go up! Sometimes, just relaxing, makes me faster. I also recommend a cadence "thingy." I use a Garmin 305 that gives HR, speed, time and with the optional cadence.

This is why spinning is good. For many people, it's not only easier on the muscles to sustain for long periods, but it's also faster.