Help! Hills!

[luvmyguys]

I live in Flatsville too, and must either resort to bridges or drive an hour to reach hills. No idea whether or not STP would be reasonable - but I would think you can at least tackle the hill problem by July.

First - USE THY GEARS! Were you doing that? If not, get a feel for shifting down when going up a hill (this is where you'll use your front derailleur a lot more) to where you can keep a decent cadence and rhythm. You'll go faster in a lower gear - really! Then, when you're going downhill, try not to coast too much - gear up as much as you can so that you can get decent speed going down the hill, which will give you momentum (less work needed!) into the next hill. Keep pedaling down the hill, even if it's easy pedaling, because it will help you keep a decent rhythm when you hit the uphill (at least in my limited experience).

Other hints that come to mind - try to keep your heel down as you pedal - you'll get more power out of your push. Also, don't slow your pedaling down as you start to approach the top of the hill - keep pushing hard until you actually crest it.

Your endurance will build with time.

I'm sure those who live in hillier terrain, and who have more experience, will be able to help a lot more.

Good luck!

[smittykitty]

You can totally do it!!!! First of all, STP is probably WAY flatter than the Cascade training rides. With your speed in the flats at this point, you will be fine. I wouldn't worry about your speed on the few hills. So long as you go fast enough to keep rolling up them, you will be fine!!!! Oh, and when you pass those men that are younger than you (and you will), you will find some inner energy to keep you going.

Day two was STP's worst kept secret for me. They don't seem to ever mention that there are many rollers and the highway in Oregon is very busy (wide shoulder). I mentally was not prepared for either, physically I was fine. Just letting you know so you won't be surprised by them. Oh, I suck at hills! I averaged 14 on the ride, which was my average on flats for training.

I have since learned to embrace hills. Make friends with them. I've improved greatly since taking a positive attitude vs neg. no more panic and fear. They are not the enemy! I can climb hills! I can climb hills, yes I can, so can you! Not yet ready to say I like them, maybe next year!

I was in so much fear of the hills prior to the STP that I rode the Napavine hill and drove the Puyallup hill!!! I did fine on both (slow and steady).

Get going on the clip less pedals. They are super easy. Clip in/out until it becomes second nature. You won't go back.

Also, remember --- this isn't a race. Your current speed is great and you will be getting faster. You will be so proud of yourself when you finish!

And enjoy the training too, it's half the fun. Can't wait for your post ride report (it's sorta a requirement)!

[marni]

another couple of thoughts on hills.
1. don not grip your bike in a death grip or lean over the handlebars too much. Instead sit up as straight as possible and breathe deeply. Think "floaty" feet and don't clench- it is an energy waster.

2. It is better to get yourself into the lower gears before starting up the hill, think spin rather than trudge.

3. Resist the urge to stand, it is a waste of energy unless it is for the last 8-10 pedal strokes at the very top the crest.

4. the top of the hill will still be there when you get there so find a doable pace and find a song to sing that helps you hold the tempo.

good luck!