Need advice for surviving hills

[leighko]

I don't know if it is the mid-summer heat and humidity here in Kentucky, but the last couple of rides have nearly killed me on the hills. I have been getting really red in the face, huffing and puffing, and trying not to quit. I succombed today on three separate occasions and got off my bike to regain my composure. Do any of you experienced gals have any training tips or ideas on how I can improve? A pack of kids on BMX bikes passed me going the other direction and said, "Are you with the group of riders cuz they're waiting at the top for you?" I thought I was well hydrated, but only ate a protein bar for breakfast. Any help would be mucho appreciated!!

[light_sabe_r]

LOW GEARS!

lol I was in 2:1 this morning going up a hill, and switched to 1:1 eventually and the difference was amazing! I even switched so I was doing 1:4 because I thought I was "spinning" too much.

Eat a GOOD breakfast before starting. I had 2 weet bix and three strawberries and Soy milk. And I learnt this the hard way. WARM UP!!! I got on my first big hill and nearly keeled over. after riding for 5 more minutes we came to the next big hill and was OKAY.

Kids are kids. Stuff em. Go at your own pace. The great thing about riding in a group is that they WILL wait for you up hills. It's a RIDING code of conduct so to speak. ^_^

Training wise... I've been timing myself up a certain steep hill. Marking where I STOP peddling with some chalk on the pavement and the time it took me to get there. and Then I go and try and BEAT it until I'm absolutley WRECKED. Then try it again the next day.

[makbike]

Leighko, I would say part of is the heat and humidity in our region. I rode in a century today that started in Campbellsville and the heat was a killer. By the end of the ride today everytime I saw a hill approaching I cringed, said a prayer and had a long talk with my legs.

How much riding are you doing each week? I found last year that if I simply increased my milage by 10% each week great things started to materialize about two months into my riding season.

Also, as lightsaber mentions, utilize your gears to the fullest. I found it really helped to calculate my gear inches and to make a chart which I attached to my top tube. Since I'm not a numbers person having the numbers in front of me has made a big difference and has allowed me to utilize my gears to my advantage.

Eating a good meal before, hydrating yourself before you begin and keeping the fluids moving during a ride make a world of difference.

Do you participate in the Louisville Bike Club rides? They offer a variety of rides and club members are great about offering words of encouragment. If you don't participate in the club's rides but would like to let me know.

Finally, it is nice to see someone in this area post a note.

makbike (Marcie)

[Kathi]

Do you have exercise induced asthma? I ask because I struggled more on hills in hot, humid weather when I lived in Cincinnati. I thought I was trying too hard to keep up with the group or was just slow to warm up.

I was diagnosed with EIA and now use my inhaler 20 minutes before I ride, it really helps.

[tsali911]

I don't mean to hijack the thread here, but I'm so excitedt to see some riders from this area! I have been looking for some other women to ride with. I would like to do the LBC ride tomorrow at Tom Sawyer. Are any of you going to be there?

Oh, and by the way, it is partly the humidity and heat to blame. DH came home Sunday and was suffering from a little heat exhaustion. It is tough this time of year, then come the downhills to help you make it to the next hill. Definitely hydrate and don't push to hard in the heat of the day.

[makbike]

tsali911:

I may drive in for the ride. I'll probably only ride the 15 mile route given the tough 90 miles I rode today. Look for a blue Univega (old bike, shifters on the down tube). If you spy this bike you'll know I had the energy to drive in and ride.

Marcie