Hill Speed

[Crankin]

I don't stand, either, for the same reasons. It slows mw down and it hurts. It took me years to be able to even get up out of the saddle. I *do* stand to stretch on long rides and I will stand on little, little rises. But on the long, steep type of climbs I did this week on my tour, I couldn't stand if I had to. My strategy (as well as my DH, who can climb and stand like crazy) is to choose a slow speed, stick to it, and keep a perfectly even, continuous cadence. That strategy has got me up the most difficult climbs, up to 22%. Personally, I don't care how fast I go up hills; I want to go up, not walk, and this works. While I can climb faster than a lot of people I ride with, I have to pace myself on long climbs.

[KatzPajamas]

Crankin~Perfect strategy! Did 31 miles today including several hills. Two were incredibly steep, one with a switchback. Eventually got to the granny gear and just focused on keeping the steady cadence. OMG! Still can't believe that I did it! Didn't ever feel the need to stand up either. I had to dig deep and did feel like puking as I got closer to the top. I have to admit, I had the hubby behind me cheering me on, which helped alot too.

[Crankin]

Know that puking feeling well. If DH hadn't been giving me encouragement last Monday, I would have fainted, fallen over, and possibly puked at the same time. And I've been riding for quite awhile...

[lawnchick22]

Got excited when I first read this thread's title..."Hill Speed"...I was thinking downhill...drats...well anyway, will share my thoughts.. Top speed downhill today on the Blue Ridge Brutal (75miler) was 54.2mph....wow, that was fun.

On the up hills, however, I find it helpful to alternate standing/sitting and concentrating on relaxing the quads and pulling more with the calves...all changes to muscle groups seem to help me.