Help! Hills!

[AppleTree]

Greetings from Seattle! I'm a 52 year old who started cycling last August with the idea of losing some weight and training for the Seattle to Portland ride (a two day, 200 mile ride) on July 12, 2014. To sign up for the associated training series, they said that we should be able to ride 25 miles at 10-18 m.p.h. on the flats. So, I trained through the winter on flat courses and was able to average about 14 m.p.h. and signed up for the 12-14 m.p.h. group. The training series started yesterday with a 30 mile ride. I kept up with everyone on the flats, but I struggled significantly on every hill, whether short or long for two reasons, I think. Lack of training and no clipless pedals. I've got the pedals and will need to train with them. But here are the questions: 1. Do I have enough time to train for the STP this year...hills and all?
2. If so, what is the fastest way to increase my endurance on hills? I am not afraid of hard work, but I want it to count.

Thanks for all of your suggestions!

Trish

I just have to say I am deeply impressed that you are doing 14 mph average, having just started cycling in August! You will be fine by the time STP comes along. Try to do two long rides (at least 60-75 miles two days in a row at least once before you go, that will give you some idea of what it will feel like on the 2nd day. Just time in the saddle will be the biggest help of all. I did STP the first time having only done ONE 75 mile training ride (as my longest ride that is), and I did just fine (I was 54!). I was slow, but I was lollygagging way too much at the rest stops. Have fun and enjoy it, the feeling when you cross that finish line is awesome. Good luck!

[k8king]

Hi Trish,

By the time you read this, you will already be over the hump and have found your best routine. But as a 51 year old who also just recently encountered hills, (Appalachian foothills), I created an account to be able to reply to your post to tell you how inspired I was just reading it.

It isn't the numbers (although I think 14 mph avg fantastic) as much as your goal-driven, solution-oriented mindset. I moved from southern California accustomed to riding miles and miles in sunny, arid, flat terrain. I thought myself in decent shape until my first Atlanta outing. Heck, you were only lagging---I had to get off and PUSH! I did discover later that my companion had e-assist, but my ego was already bruised.

In the beginning, I had more success by NOT including hills too often. I used Google and a more observant eye while driving to plan long routes. I also planned a few ridiculously short (SOLO) rides with one or two steep hills on the way out while I was fresh. Being able to easily coast home built my confidence more than my stamina, and made me eager for more each time.

Another thing that helped was tweaking my seat and handlebar height to allow me to get up out of the saddle and use my weight and allow the bike to rock naturally. I know the mechanics aren't endorsed by the Tour de France set as efficient, but it worked for me. It was actually a little scary at first, because I hadn't stood up to pedal since I was a kid, but it did wonders for my balance in other areas, as well.

I still do not use clips regularly, but I have found them beneficial since moving here. I completely agree with Scrappy about the granny gear. I still never use every gear my bike is capable of, but I love low, medium and high, or 42/32/22 for the techies.

I have never done the STP, but I have managed 75 + like AppleTree. It really isn't about speed for me, it's about setting a goal and accomplishing it. Anyway, I have to repeat that I am deeply impressed and inspired. I look forward to reading more, especially if you have tips.

Oh ... and TOTALLY agree with your coworker about blaming the equipment. My favorite is blaming the equipment I was born with ... still laughing ...

Kate