"Invisible" Hill technique?

[staceysue]

LOL I just found this thread. Perfect timing because I was wondering what the heck was wrong with me. There's this place where it looks like the road's going downhill. Whenever I see it coming I'm thinking "YAY!" and I shift up to go fast - then it hits like a ton of bricks. I shift way down into my grannies and huff and puff. It's harder than the hardest hill I ride. It feels like there's an invisible force holding me back. I even brought my husband out there today to see if he could tell that it was an uphill. He swears it's a downhill. Must be one of those "invisible hills" you all are talking about.

[indigoiis]

I have found since originally posting this thread that there are also something called "Dead zones" or "doldrums", just as with sailing. You might be flying along at 19-23 mph, nice and flat, when suddenly the "air goes out of the room" and maybe the pavement gets natty and the wind picks up and the sun beats down and you are going NOWHERE, no matter if it's downhill, uphill or straightaway. Although it usually happens on a straightaway. I don't know why it is. It's like the Bermuda Triangle. For me it is on our bike path in a town called West Warwick, and it is right before the turn off the path. About 2 miles of doldrums. Yuck!

(oh and as a postscript, the doldrums are completely in the head... you are still going 19-23 mph, it just doesn't "feel" like it!)

[redrhodie]

I have found since originally posting this thread that there are also something called "Dead zones" or "doldrums", just as with sailing. You might be flying along at 19-23 mph, nice and flat, when suddenly the "air goes out of the room" and maybe the pavement gets natty and the wind picks up and the sun beats down and you are going NOWHERE, no matter if it's downhill, uphill or straightaway. Although it usually happens on a straightaway. I don't know why it is. It's like the Bermuda Triangle. For me it is on our bike path in a town called West Warwick, and it is right before the turn off the path. About 2 miles of doldrums. Yuck!

(oh and as a postscript, the doldrums are completely in the head... you are still going 19-23 mph, it just doesn't "feel" like it!)

I know one of those spots--right by Casey Farm on Rte 1A heading North. It kills me. It looks totally flat. The pavement, the wind (especially if it's from the north) all adds up to a "dead zone". Perfect description!

[Miranda]

I realize this thread is old, but checked it out based upon the 5 star rating. Great reading!

I'm with the post that opts for standing. I'm not sure if it's my asthma and being somewhat compromised I would assume... but that sitting solidly in the saddle spinning the granny gear just kills me.

On my last ride, I did 8 count standing intervals. Then back to seated. Repeat. I was careful to watch my HR to not wear myself out completely before I made it to the top.

It certainly does make the hill go by faster too.

[tctrek]

Thanks for reviving this post!! There are tons of false flats where I ride.. some of them hurt and some don't... I think it's the dead zone thing going on!!

[nscrbug]

I realize this thread is old, but checked it out based upon the 5 star rating. Great reading!

I'm with the post that opts for standing. I'm not sure if it's my asthma and being somewhat compromised I would assume... but that sitting solidly in the saddle spinning the granny gear just kills me.

On my last ride, I did 8 count standing intervals. Then back to seated. Repeat. I was careful to watch my HR to not wear myself out completely before I made it to the top.

It certainly does make the hill go by faster too.

This is a great idea! I'm going to have to try this on my next ride. Hills are the "bane of my existence"...I suck at them...ALL of them...big ones, little ones, invisible ones, you name it! I've never thought to do standing/seated intervals, but it makes perfect sense. Plus counting out the 8-count, will give my mind something to do...other than focusing on how long the dang hill is! Thanks for posting that tip!