Rollers and momentum

[indysteel]

You will develop a better feel for it with practice. While I know there are some elevation changes in the area where you ride, it's still relatively flat. Once you start doing some rides south of Indy, you'll get a lot more practice with it.

I'd also say that momentum only gets you so far in Indiana, as I wouldn't describe the terrain as rolling. Do the second day of the Horsey Hundred in Kentucky, and you'll understand the difference. Here, the hills aren't as constant and they can be abrupt and steep, so while you may have a bit of momentum going into the hill, it is unlikely to be enough to get to the top. In fact, it may barely get you up halfway. I actually tend to rely less on momentum with some of these steeper hills and more on choosing a gear at the outset that will allow me to set a sustainable pace up the hill. I do not keep the same cadence on those hills that I use on the flats. I would blow up if I tried to do that. Rather, I get in a relatively easy gear, take a deep breath and then just pace myself up, susatining a good balance between aerobic and power outputs.

[Catrin]

You will develop a better feel for it with practice. While I know there are some elevation changes in the area where you ride, it's still relatively flat. Once you start doing some rides south of Indy, you'll get a lot more practice with it. ......... I actually tend to rely less on momentum with some of these steeper hills and more on choosing a gear at the outset that will allow me to set a sustainable pace up the hill. I do not keep the same cadence on those hills that I use on the flats. I would blow up if I tried to do that. Rather, I get in a relatively easy gear, take a deep breath and then just pace myself up, sustaining a good balance between aerobic and power outputs.

Indy - Thanks for this, it helps. I just got in from a light 20 mile ride - and tried to pay closer attention to my shifting on the steep hills along the way. It is kind of interesting how they come, perfectly flat ground then there is this short hill that is so steep that I wonder if I will make it to the top - and thankfully I always do. It doesn't seem to make all that much of a difference how fast I am going when I hit it...so it is good to hear that this sounds normal. I think it was easier today as I tried to shift more frequently instead of trying to power my way through it.

I am hoping the weather will permit me to head out Thursday after work and do some hill repeats on 875 and 200s in Boone County - if you are familiar with that area. After this next Saturday I want to start heading south every other Saturday, if possible, and play in the hills. I just wanted to get up to being able to tolerate longer rides first...

[tulip]

Catrin, I think you are doing great. It was not so long ago that you were not comfortable shifting at all. Now you are learning the art of when to shift. You will need to get comfortable shifting into your big front ring when you pedal downhill, but there's no rush. Just keep doing what you are doing because it's working just fine. You've made great progress and I'm very proud of you!

[indysteel]

Catrin, like I said, it's perfectly normal that momentum isn't getting you very far with the hills you've encountered thus far. I actually think focusing on it may be preventing you from learning how to best gear from some of these hills. For instance, the long hill on next week's ride--assuming it's the one I think it is--is long but not steep, so climbing it is more a question of patience than anything. You have to find a gear you can sustain without killing your legs or blowing up your lung and then get into a steady rhythm.

Climbing in southern Indiana confounded me until I started riding with a friend of mine who taught me to pace myself from the base of the hill. It really does take some patience on some of these hills because they are too steep and long to just power over. You have to stop yourself from starting to panic because it looks like the end will never come.

It'll get easier, I promise. Like Tulip said, you've already come a long way.

On Saturday's ride, Brian and I plan to ride a bit in front of the group as is our norm on the GT rides, but sometime soon, let's head down to Morgan Monroe. There are some good hills to learn on just outside the park so I can better show you want I mean.

[Catrin]

Catrin, like I said, it's perfectly normal that momentum isn't getting you very far with the hills you've encountered thus far. I actually think focusing on it may be preventing you from learning how to best gear from some of these hills. For instance, the long hill on next week's ride--assuming it's the one I think it is--is long but not steep, so climbing it is more a question of patience than anything. You have to find a gear you can sustain without killing your legs or blowing up your lung and then get into a steady rhythm.

Climbing in southern Indiana confounded me until I started riding with a friend of mine who taught me to pace myself from the base of the hill. It really does take some patience on some of these hills because they are too steep and long to just power over. You have to stop yourself from starting to panic because it looks like the end will never come.

It'll get easier, I promise. Like Tulip said, you've already come a long way.

On Saturday's ride, Brian and I plan to ride a bit in front of the group as is our norm on the GT rides, but sometime soon, let's head down to Morgan Monroe. There are some good hills to learn on just outside the park so I can better show you want I mean.

Cool, I will remember this next Saturday - and I did NOT go and drive it. I figured if I did and found a really long and steep hill that it might beat me before I actually ride it.

Good to hear that you and Brian will be there, I will be the one at the rear of the group. Way at the rear I am greatly looking forward to my introduction to southern Indiana - at least I know that my bike is geared for it

Just let me know when a good time would be to head down to Morgan Monroe - that sounds like a great idea. Now I seem to, hopefully, have my saddle issues solved - at least I hope so...

Tulip and Indy, thanks for the encouragement, it is appreciated!

[marni]

mantra for hill climbing- to the song of Frer Jacques
we are climbing, we are climbing,
yes we are, yes we are
This is not a real hill, this is not a real hill,
No it's not, no ti's not.

when in dobut/downshift until you can't shift anymore and remember, as long as you are maintaining enough momentum to move forward, you are in balance and all is good.

My worse climb was 8400 feet of elevation over 6 miles at just under 3 miles an hour.

marni

[Eden]

My worse climb was 8400 feet of elevation over 6 miles at just under 3 miles an hour.

marni

ehhhhhhh - I highly doubt that........ that would be a road that averages over 26% grade for 6 miles.