descending--pedal vs. coast ?

[tctrek]

I've been curious, reading this thread, about the definition of "slowly spinning up a hill" -- I know I'm slow, but this year I feel like I'm flying up at 6-8 mph on hills that last year I plodded up at about 3-5 mph -- and felt like I was doing pretty well just to make the climb!
Karen in Boise

Karen, I too get very excited this season when I can get up a hill faster than I did last year! Last year, 4-5mph was my max speed up most hills-- hanging on for dear life with maximum heart rate and screaming quads. This year (such as today!) I was hitting 7-8 mph on those same hills.

Still, even with my big improvement, younger/fitter riders were passing me. But I didn't care one bit - I was just so thrilled to be better than I was last year -- and to not "hurt" so much either!

[Miranda]

Most every training plan I've every read repeats one tip for sure... "hills give a lot of bang for your buck!".

That's one reason I love my TE "She Loves Hills" jersey so much. I hate them, and I love them. The love part is realizing your progress when you find a new way to make yourself better on it.

The comments about speed on hills also has a lot to do with grade, imo. I live in the midwest. My "hills" are nothing in terms of grade compared to someone who lives in CO mts.

But, none the less... I can recall when I first started riding my bike and a highway over-pass was my nemesis. Now, it's warm-up cake.

Always nice to find a way to improve. Just hope my ride pals know it's not about one up-ing them... it's about "me... & the hill".

[Kano]

But, none the less... I can recall when I first started riding my bike and a highway over-pass was my nemesis. Now, it's warm-up cake.

Always nice to find a way to improve. Just hope my ride pals know it's not about one up-ing them... it's about "me... & the hill".

We don't even want to think about what was MY nemesis when it comes to hills! Strange coincidence about that -- DH and I rode up one this morning and afterward, as we cruised the rest of the way home, I said to him, "y'know, sometimes, I think about how big that hill used to be"

Karen in Boise

[Vanderkitten]

Flat out is fine... it's usually when you gap out your friends and then don't give them a chance to catch back on when people get upset... especially boys.

On technical descents, you will probably trade ultimate speed for smoother corners, building up your entry and exit comfort and speeds. Remember to weight your outside pedal, DO NOT worry about pedaling through corners (It means your center of gravity is very high if you do), exhale before the corner and bend your elbows. Your head shouldn't be to the inside of your stem (if you were to draw an imaginary line from the center line of the bike) either... but we could talk all night about cornering!!

Most importantly, Have FUN!!!

[Miranda]

... it's usually when you gap out your friends and then don't give them a chance to catch back on when people get upset...

OK, that is the thing exactly. Couple recent situations where I left my ride pal... but then purposely waited for her to catch up. Here lately, she seems offended, saying "...oh, you didn't need to wait up for me...". This was where we went to the ride together at an event, but others were there etc.

Well... if I wanted to ride totally alone, I would have went out alone.

We both have some limitation (medically) with our cycling. One thing that makes for nice partners--the other "gets it". Mine are less in some areas that I excel--and then we catch up. I don't mind.

Hmm... have to work on the communication some more. It's been wonderful having a ride partner. Just a few of my goals are... different.

Thx for the input.

[smilingcat]

Welcome to vanderkitten. How do!!

Most have pointed out. Spin even if you are not putting any energy into the wheel. Yes, do keep your leg spinning to keep it relaxed. Helps to flush out the lactic acid out of your legs.

I just mozy along these days nothing too taxing and nothing too challanging

smilingcat

[RolliePollie]

I'm glad I found this thread as I have never really given this issue much thought! But now I'm thinking about it and I bet I'll be thinking about it the next time I'm out riding too!

I ride where it's very hilly. I'm not kidding...there isn't really anything flat here at all (this is a real bummer if you're looking for a recovery ride or if you just want to go out for an easy spin). I think I do what a lot of other people have posted here...I pedal if the hill isn't too steep and I still have gears left. But if it's steep and I'm going 30+ mph, then I coast. My legs appreciate the break. I just wish all the steep uphills around here had a nice fast downhill right beforehand so I could bank up some speed!

[Miranda]

I just wish all the steep uphills around here had a nice fast downhill right beforehand so I could bank up some speed!

Ha... wouldn't that be GREAT! Life on the bici would be like a roller-coaster... wheee. I have one road I ride regularly like that. On days when there is a tail-wind, PLUS the hill lay out... oooo, it's a blast!