Just an update for all the ladies that offered up some great advice. I have tried getting out of the saddle on a few smaller hills and well wow Im getting better. I still wouldnt say it looks pretty but its such a big improvement on before.

Thank you - I just wanted to let you know that the advice you offer to us newbies does get taken in and really makes a difference. In the beginning I was a newbie forty year old with all the gear and no idea - now perhaps its all the gear and a little bit of an idea thanks to you all here at TE.