Lone Rider
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Costa Daurada
Why do I get so tired going up hills? Well, it's not really tired, it's more like lacking energy. Is there a secret technique, or is it just practise?
thePig said:I find it helps if I consciously try to use the same amount of energy as what I was using on the flat. I think most people try and go too fast up hills, rather than selecting a very easy gear prior to the start of the hill and going at a comfortable speed - the hill isn't going anywhere so whats the rush.
I have written a short post on this over at my blog: http://www.cyclepig.com/archive/cycling-up-hills-made-easy/
Chris James said:Practice and fitness. But practice is more important in the short term.
My main suggestions for long hills (i.e. not those you can get out of your saddle to and blast up for less than a minute) are:
Settle back on your saddle
Select a low gear
Relax your shoulders - in fact relax as much as possible
Concentrate on smooth energy efficient cycling
Don't look too far forward ahead - particularly don't dwell on how far away the summit is.
thePig said:I have written a short post on this over at my blog: http://www.cyclepig.com/archive/cycling-up-hills-made-easy/
Lone Rider said:I enjoyed the article and feel identified with the cyclist lying by the side of the road.
The general message seems to be to take it easy and keep practicing. Hopefully it gets easier.