Quote Originally Posted by CorsairMac
Then don't - muscle it that is. In a tough headwind I'll usually just gear down and spin. I don't try to make time or speed, I just concentrate on holding my line and keeping my legs relaxed.
Which prompts me to ask...when riding with a group I always get left behind on the hills (even the little ones) and when riding into the wind because I have to gear down. If I try to maintain the gear I was in my legs just can't take it...now here is the question...even though I'm gearing down will I get stronger and eventually be able to keep up? I'm concerned that my gearing down isn't going to strengthen my legs.

I've actually quit going on the Thursday group ride because I'm always the last one and the group always has to wait on me. I've been athletic all my life...except for those 10 years where I somehow became a couch potato...and being last is not something that I am accustomed to.