Tip for Hills

[MojoGrrl]

Climbed some gnarly hills today and I tried to "boobs to the tube" when I didn't feel like standing up, and it worked. I also kept saying in my head, "Boobs to the tube, power through that sh*t!" ha ha

[Catrin]

I do not stand and pedal, but have been trying to remember the "boobs to the tube" approach to hill climbing and it does seem to help I am unsure how it helps, in my case it probably makes me a little more aerodynamic since I've such a very upright riding position, but regardless, it helps

I was riding with my trainer and his wife a few weeks ago and did this - thinking about what we call it made me chuckle. I wasn't about to mention this to him but it was funny.

[itsalldownhill]

I've had luck with looking at the ground with quick glances up to "see where I'm at". Then I find a spot and say (in my head) "All I have to do is make it to that sign"...then when I get to the sign, I often feel like I'm okay to find the next point "All I have to do is make it to that driveway" etc. etc. and before I know it, I'm up the hill!

[Bike Writer]

I can give a tip that is more related about what not to do than what to do and that is to change strategy mid hill. Whenever I've done that it has not worked out well. Either stick to attacking the hill with power or decide to spin up it.

The one piece of advice or tip for hills is to keep doing them and doing them, eventually it does get better. When you are feeling particularly strong is a good time to go do the hill that you have avoided. You may surprise yourself.

There have been a lot of good tips here, good thread!

[Bike Writer]

I used all three tonight when climbing an ornery hill.

1. Boobs to the tube
2. Power through that sh*t
3. Shut up legs!

Worked! Made me giggle too.

[amb]

I'm not a great climber but I did some pretty good hills on my MS150 ride and I was actually doing all these things: boobs to the tube (thought I didn't know this clever saying) and look down. I only have a double ring in the front so I just have to buckle down and PUSH! It works!

And I'd wear that jersey too!

[ShubieGA]

I have to remember these on my next hill conquest!

[nscrbug]

Perhaps I'm doing something wrong, but the "boobs to the tube" method doesn't seem to work for me. When I lean too far forward on a climb, my diaphragm feels like it's getting smooshed and I can't breathe well. I have to do the exact opposite, and sit very tall and upright with totally relaxed shoulders and light hands on the bars. This opens up my chest and lungs so that I can take in nice deep breaths. With all that being said, I still suck at climbs.

Linda