Hills

[BluOrchid2]

One of my most grueling rides last summer was a loop around a local lake - pretty much all hills, one after another. The good thing is that they were ONE AFTER ANOTHER...which meant using momentum from the previous downhill to make it about halfway up the next hill without having to exert too much power. By the time I realized what a big hill I was climbing, I was 2/3 of the way up it and just told myself to get it done.

[bcipam]

As a larger gal, I used to hate hills. All my skninny little buddies used to fly up them and I was left chugging. Well that hasn't changed but my attitude has. I now love hills. There is something about conquering a hill that is appealing. Long ago a friend gave me some good advice. While mountain biking I used to attack the hills and I would peter out towards the top even having to stop. He asked "why are you doing that to yourself? Why don't you "rest" up the hill instead?". "What", I asked.

Turns out instead of attacking a long hill, he just resigns to the ride, puts the bike in granny or a low gear and spins up comfortably. I put his advice to the test and now I understand. I can use hills to rest!!! There is generally a gear for even the steepest hills, that allows one to spin. I get into a even cadence and think good thoughts about the scenary etc. In no times, the top is there.

I started forcing myself to do hillier and hiller routes. Now the flat stuff is really boring. I still power up short hills, like overpasses, but use granny for any grade that is long. One thing to remember - this is your climb, no one elses. So what if I am last up? At least I got up there. Always do your own thing and never be forced to do someone elses pace. I generally make up the difference by speeding downhill.