Another very tough climb (video & pics)

[GingerbreadGirl]

I don't know how you do it.

Today I chose a "hillier" trail (still really flat, believe me) to work on my fitness and shifting (only my second ever ride on a road bike). I've only been cycling three weeks and am pathetically out of shape. Was on bed rest this fall and then put on meds that packed 35 lbs on me in about 4 months. I'm a train wreck.

Managed to do the inclines (can't call them proper hills) but was so tired and zapped afterwards. I hope someday I'm in half as good shape as you.

Encouraging to hear you lost weight though

[luv2climb]

I don't know how you do it.

Today I chose a "hillier" trail (still really flat, believe me) to work on my fitness and shifting (only my second ever ride on a road bike). I've only been cycling three weeks and am pathetically out of shape. Was on bed rest this fall and then put on meds that packed 35 lbs on me in about 4 months. I'm a train wreck.

Managed to do the inclines (can't call them proper hills) but was so tired and zapped afterwards. I hope someday I'm in half as good shape as you.

Encouraging to hear you lost weight though

You've already taken the first step to getting stronger. Keep up the good work and it will get easier. I know about the old saying "it never gets easier, you just get faster", but when you are losing weight as well as gaining fitness, it does get easier.

[GingerbreadGirl]

Thanks, I get discouraged when I read about everyone's 30+ mi rides. Right now 5 miles is work for me. Three weeks ago, 2 miles was tough. Last year I was *jogging* 5 miles at this time... I'm so out of condition. I love to see posts like yours to remind me things are possible. Not for me necessarily, but you know... for some people lol.

[luv2climb]

Thanks, I get discouraged when I read about everyone's 30+ mi rides. Right now 5 miles is work for me. Three weeks ago, 2 miles was tough. Last year I was *jogging* 5 miles at this time... I'm so out of condition. I love to see posts like yours to remind me things are possible. Not for me necessarily, but you know... for some people lol.

I know how you feel. I don't even bother reading the Garmin stats and ride reports from the "super-roadies" over in the road cycling section of BikeForums. They are all much faster than me and I know it. I've been posting a few of my videos in their ride video thread, but they almost never get feedback. I don't care though. I post them with the knowledge that not every reader of that forum is a lycra-clad superhero with a 20 mph average speed on a hilly ride. Hopefully some of the slower riders will see the videos and not be quite as discouraged after reading some of the other stuff in there.

[GingerbreadGirl]

I'd say you totally inspire a lot of women here!

[luv2climb]

I'd say you totally inspire a lot of women here!

Thank you.

[Velocivixen]

Well, I must say that I think you are all inspiring in your own way! At least you're out there doing something. I live in the NW and we have hills around. Some shorter ones in town. Some that I wouldn't ride because no shoulder or bike lane with heavy traffic. Also I don't like and am fearful going fast down hills. Anyway you all ROCK! Keep it up.

Luvs2climb, you will get that weight off. As I was losing, I found it challenging to figure how much to eat in order to fuel my exercise without eating too much. It's a balance for sure.

[Sardine]

I don't care though. I post them with the knowledge that not every reader of that forum is a lycra-clad superhero with a 20 mph average speed on a hilly ride. Hopefully some of the slower riders will see the videos and not be quite as discouraged after reading some of the other stuff in there.

Depends on your idea of a superhero I recognise their achievement but it doesn't necessarily inspire me. Just reading your post has made me think about the possibilities again. I've done a lot of hiking in the Lake District (where Hardknot Pass mentioned earlier is) and always thought it would be a great place to cycle but beyond me. I'm not saying I'll manage it even someday (and I certainly wouldn't start with Hardknot) but you've planted a seed. I'm thinking I need to start doing hill reps...

By the way, this discussion also made me go and look at some of the other climbing discussions and I came across the one you did on a Speed D7. OMG! They're fine for city hills with 34 inches at the low end but for that ride?!? How strong are you? Not exactly like doing it on one of these: http://www.airnimal.eu/News/Home.php Actually, that's the other thing that impresses me – you're climbing on non-super expensive bikes, though you may well have those was well.

[luv2climb]

Depends on your idea of a superhero I recognise their achievement but it doesn't necessarily inspire me. Just reading your post has made me think about the possibilities again. I've done a lot of hiking in the Lake District (where Hardknot Pass mentioned earlier is) and always thought it would be a great place to cycle but beyond me. I'm not saying I'll manage it even someday (and I certainly wouldn't start with Hardknot) but you've planted a seed. I'm thinking I need to start doing hill reps...

By the way, this discussion also made me go and look at some of the other climbing discussions and I came across the one you did on a Speed D7. OMG! They're fine for city hills with 34 inches at the low end but for that ride?!? How strong are you? Not exactly like doing it on one of these: http://www.airnimal.eu/News/Home.php Actually, that's the other thing that impresses me – you're climbing on non-super expensive bikes, though you may well have those was well.

I was being a bit sarcastic with the superhero comment. I get a bit turned off by all the inflated egos. A little humility would go a long way towards attracting more people to our sport.

Those climbing rides on the D7 were definitely harder than they would have been on my road bike. All my bikes are lower-end models. The most expensive bike I have is my road bike, a 2011 Specialized Dolce Triple that I paid $849 for before tax, accessories, and the mtb gearing. That was brand-new at the LBS too.

As soon as my recumbent is sold I'm getting a Bike Friday Pocket Companion, which has a triple. I'll change the 30t small chainring to a 24, which will give me a 16-inch low gear. That will be the lowest gearing of all my bikes. Perfect for the steepest hills I can find.

[Sardine]

[QUOTE=luv2climb;592356]I was being a bit sarcastic with the superhero comment.

Got that. Ditto.