wife kicks butt in cycling

[Juliegoddess]

I'm chuckling here, because I'm actually reading this thread with great interest. This weekend, I'm going on a trip to northern michigan with my boyfriend. I've never ridden with him before, and have been kind of really nervous about it. I've always been of the mindset that most any guy in reasonable shape could beat me riding a bike. Not that I care. Endurance-wise, I could easily "win". I just always figured that men have those inherently bigger muscles than women have.

HOWEVER, I brought my BF's bike home with me this last weekend, and noticed when I unloaded it that the gears were set at 1 (big ring) and 4 (small ring)!!! Now, we are in a swamp area down by Lake Erie. There are literally NO hills here. What the heck was he doing on his bike when he rode it?? Ummmm....1-3????

In other words, I have a strong feeling I'm gonna kick his butt....

[WindingRoad]

I think it just depends on the woman. Me and my BF are about the same heights as you and your wife. He can climb up hills like a scared cat, I can't but I can overpower him on just about any long sprint and I can maintain near max speed much longer and easier than he can. Don't know why this is but it's just how it is sometimes. He makes comments about me "Handing him his a$$" but it doesn't really bother him. We actually like pushing each other it makes for a great workout so let your wife do that for you. Try your best to stay with her up those hills, you'll get stronger but it doesn't happen over night.

[mrjoe]

In other words, I have a strong feeling I'm gonna kick his butt....

I wouldnt mind another guy in my club so I guess I'll root for ya and hope you do

I think if the hill was just straight up for a 1/4 mile I could probably take her (in a short burst of muscle). The hill we climb isn't too steep but it goes on forever. It's an endurance and leg burning nightmare. The first time she beat me (and waited for me), she claimed she timed it from the bend in the road where said stretch of road begins. She says she won by 37 sec. Recently during our rematch she claimed victory by 40 sec on the button, so apparently now the gap is widening.