Climbing - oh those hills!

[GLC1968]

A very experienced (completed the Assault on Mt Mitchell 29 times!) hill climber once told me, "smile as you climb". It's really, really hard to tense your upper body when you are genuinely smiling. Unbelieveable, but it totally works!

Plus, it's fun to think how much you are likely freaking out car drivers or other cyclists who see you struggling but with a big ol' grin on your face!

[indigoiis]

Once I was going up a hill, into the wind, and I was shouting "that's right, that's all ya got? Come on, this ain't steep! Where's the wind???" when I thought I was alone. Then I got passed by some guy and he was grinning ear to ear. I am not sure if it was to breathe better or because he was laughing at me.

[jobob]

Plus, it's fun to think how much you are likely freaking out car drivers or other cyclists who see you struggling but with a big ol' grin on your face!

Sounds like the TNT Death Ride team - they've been climbing big-azz hills with annoyingly happy smiles. Gahhhh.

Dachsund is particularly good at that...

[melissam]

Sounds like the TNT Death Ride team - they've been climbing big-azz hills with annoyingly happy smiles. Gahhhh.

Dachsund is particularly good at that...

No kidding. I give you Exhibit A:



The jury will note that:
1. Dachshund (on Orange Seven) is smiling; it's not even a fake smile or grimace/smile.
2. The rider in the foreground (one of our coaches -- a very nice person and SUPERB rider) is NOT smiling
3. The riders behind Dachshund are at a considerably lower elevation
4. One of the riders in the background is walking his bike

I rest my case.

[jobob]

That is precisely the picture I was thinking of.

There are other photos (one on Sierra road comes to mind), but the point has been made.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I always smile when going up our last very steep hill towards home. There are frequent cars and I don't want them thinking "OH I bet she's sorry she's on a bike- she must be miserable!".
I know I feel like joggers are miserable when I see their grimacing faces of pain.
I don't want any one thinking I'm not thoroughly enjoying my biking!
I often catch myself smiling a big smile when I'm riding my bike.

[smilingcat]

Wow smiling. and ye gawds. Those hills are steep. 12-15% grade??

me? I have no expression on my face when I climb. Really would love to go to the death ride.

[Dogmama]

I caught myself adjusting my cadence to a tune in my head. It was a nice song & made the hill not so arduous. No, I don't remember the song, but I'm sure it wasn't "99 bottles of beer on the wall"...

[jobob]

Wow smiling. and ye gawds. Those hills are steep. 12-15% grade??

At least.
We babbled some about that particular training ride here. Dachshund and Mel did really great on it. And it was another day in the park for MP.

me? I have no expression on my face when I climb. Really would love to go to the death ride.

I hope to do it next year, c'mon & join me!