Quote Originally Posted by KSH
OK. Let me ask... do you have a computer with cadence on it? If not, go get one. I honestly never understood my gears or how to be efficient on my bike... and not mash the pedals until I got a computer with cadence.

Basically, when you pedal, you want to keep your cadence around 90-95 (this is debateable... but most say this is a good cadence to keep). If your candence falls below 90, then you want to shift so it's easier to pedal (down) or if your cadence is above 95, you will want to shift so it's harder to pedal (up).
Excellent advice. For me, it's a little tough to keep 90rpm cadence on hills, so I'll go to 70-80 depending on the incline.

Tuckerville, cadence is "revolutions per minute" and it is difficult to do it while you're riding in your head. As KSH suggests, get a cyclometer with cadence.
When I ride, I always set my cyclometer to cadence.

I love riding alone. I love the early mornings when it is cool, traffic is light, birds are out singing and everything is still virginal. When I'm riding with somebody else, or in a group, I have to concentrate on their wheels and anticipate their next action. It takes away the relaxation for me, but it does make me push harder because I always try to ride with people better than me.