Clipping out up a steep hill?

[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.