I started riding about 6 weeks ago. The ladies I ride with are at least 20 pounds heavier than me and can climb hills faster and easier than I can. They've got muscle memory, aerobic stamina, power, higher cadence and experienced shifting.

I can power up shorter hills and ride flats easy. But, when it comes to long, steady hills, I have problems maintaining my cadence in a lower gear. Even my lowest gear forces me to work hard and can bring me to my maximum heart rate. My lungs give out faster than my legs.

I've asked others for advice on how I can improve my ability to climb hills. I would love to be able to workout in the gym rather than do hill repeats! Give me a treadmill over hills any day! lol I would even be tempted to lose weight and start shopping in the junior's section. But, everyone tells me the only way to get better at climbing hills is to climb hills.

Some things I've noticed that I need to improve is increasing my cadence. I also need to shift into a lower gear before my legs start working harder. I'm so used to trying to muscle my way up the hill and it only hurts me on longer hills. I also am working on increasing my aerobic capacity by working at no more than 80% of my maximum heart rate and increasing stamina by accepting that I'm not going to get up some hills unless I quiet my inner voice telling me I'm going too slow. I also need to be kinder to myself. Instead of powering downhill, I need to rest and spin my legs in preparation for the next hill. Living in PA, there's ALWAYS another hill.

How to translate these goals without being able to ride on hills? A spinning class would help with my aerobic capacity. Intervals that focuses on a long Zone 2 climaxing at Zone 3 heart rate vs. a minute of Zone 4 maximum heart rate would be helpful. But, I don't think endurance weight workouts would not help someone like me. Maybe once my lungs catch up to my leg strength.

Take the bike with you on your camping trip. If you have to stop for breaks, enjoy the scenery! Everything looks better on a bike. Don't focus on distance or speed. Do your best and be proud of it! :-)