Clipping out up a steep hill?

[sundial]

So if I can do that - I certainly can do this!

Gabriellesca, alot of hill climbing is mental. Focus 10 feet in front of you and pedal away. You can do this!

[gabriellesca]

Thanks Sun!!

[Faster Pussycat]

Also, if you really don't feel ready to go to cleats - dont. Although there are lots of advantage they will also be lost if you get put of riding.

So perhaps do a few more rides, get a bit more confident in your handling skills and then look at cleats again?

Confidence is what is left after you take out the fears.

[TrekTheKaty]

On my first century, I was considering bailing as we headed into hill AFTER hill at mile 80. I had trained in the area, so mentally I thought I was prepared. However, fatigue was setting in and I was seriously considering throwing my bike in a ditch. My Brother-in-law and I started a mantra,

"The ferry (that took us across the river and into the flats) is over this hill."

"OK. It must be this hill."

"Seriously, this HAS to be the last hill."

We crested a hill and there was a buff cycling dude with an expensive bike sprawled out in the grass on the side of the road, looking like a (as we'd say in skiing) yard sale! I yelled, "Are you OK?"

He said, "Yeah. Just resting."

I started laughing so hard, that I forgot how much I was hurting. (I think we made it to the ferry about 3 hills after that. We thought we were home free until a group of tri-bikers said, "Only one more 18% grade to go!" Now that's why I don't usually socialize with other cyclists--I didn't need to know that!)

It's all mental. Just like a marathon. I was never a good runner, just more determined/pig-headed.

[Thorn]

We thought we were home free until a group of tri-bikers said, "Only one more 18% grade to go!" Now that's why I don't usually socialize with other cyclists--I didn't need to know that!).

Chuckle. I was just on one of those one big climb after another rides. I've done it before. I actually love it--do enough long slugs up gradients in the teens and the 8-10%-ers at home don't feel so bad.

Anyway, I was standing near two guys at the last rest stop. It is on a lovely bluff and you can see forever in all directions. One of them said, "It has to be all down hill from here". I turned to them and said, "uh, no....there is one more big hill waiting for you. Can't you hear it taunting me? The hill's voice is getting strong. It is saying, 'Save some for me. You know I'm steep. And I can last longer than you'."

They both looked at me like was this crazy old lady (which, of course, I am). Fine.

At the end of the ride, one of the guys came up to me and said, "Uh...we didn't believe you. You undersold that hill. It was a killer."

There is always another hill. Master one and a bigger one appears. Zen out. Relax. Smile. You'll be surprised what you can do.

I've only met one hill in the last couple of years I've had to bail on. I used the driveway method that Darcy suggested. Thankfully, there wasn't traffic.

[sundial]

I was never a good runner, just more determined/pig-headed.

Yep, it pays to be tenacious. Even if you're going 3 mph up a hill you're still going and besides, there's nothing more satisfying than passing a weight weenie roadie that's blowing up on the hill.

[sundial]

On my first century, I was considering bailing as we headed into hill AFTER hill at mile 80.

I would have bailed at mile 30. You're a tough cookie, Trek.