Gravel/unmade surfaces - tips?

[hebe]

I rode this again today, on my way to deliver a dvd to my bicycle instructor. It's definitely getting easier, I got much further up the initial hill before stopping, and coming back I got within a few metres of the top of the tarmaced hill. I think I should crack it in the next couple of weeks as I'm at the point where my nerve is failing rather than my legs. Today I learned that going up a hill in too low a gear is almost as hard work as going up a hill in too high a gear. But I got out of my granny gear on the tarmac!

[malkin]

It sounds lovely!
Walking is not shameful and nor are low gears!

[Bike Writer]

Hebe, sounds like you are having a lot of fun while getting stronger and exploring too. You alluded to gear choice on hills and that is something I also struggle with, finding the sweet spot at the sweet or appropriate moment.

I guess it's a matter of trial and error to find what works best. I agree with Malkin, walking up a hill or a portion of a hill is not shameful. At some point with continued effort you will conquer that hill.