how to tackle a massive hill @ the start

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

BentMikey

Rider of Seolferwulf
Location
South London
I wouldn't say I'm at all fit, experienced, or fast, and my recumbent goes uphill like a lead slug. Lucky I've got a 27" bottom gear. Me, no pride, equals granny ring.

24m climb? Complaining about that is most definitely cause for some proper teasing!!! I hope you won't take it too seriously, photography27!! It's only meant in jest.
 
BentMikey in windup shocker.
 

tdr1nka

Taking the biscuit
I avoid Anerly Hill too, I've never ridden it regularly enough to get the measure of it. I always get caught out around the entrance to the sports center where it steepens even more.
Although*ahem*a few years ago I had to climb Gypsy Hill everyday in order to get home.;)

But back on thread, spin your legs comfortably and just climb slowly to warm up.
Your speed will increase in time.
 

Crankarm

Guru
Location
Nr Cambridge
Hill! Where are you used to riding, here in the Fens or Holland?

My advice is do a few warm up runs by riding to the top and then down again then up, then down again, then up. By now you should be ready to climb it for proper :smile:.So turn around ride back to your door and now ride up it for for real ;).
 

CorsairC

Über Member
Before you do any activity you should do a few stretches for a few minutes before hand. Thats your warm up. Then drop to your lowest gear and just go up the hill slowly and easily. If thats too hard walk your bike to the top. Alternatively get a really large elastic band find two big trees...well you get the idea.
 

rh100

Well-Known Member
photography27 said:
hi guys and girls
how do i tackle a very steep hill as soon as i get out my door, this is first thing in the morning on my way to work, i dont have chance to warm up or anything, the hill is there waiting for me!!

on bikely it says on the graph that my route starts at 342ft and the top of the hill is 420ft....

it is knackering lol, any advice would be welcome

I'm in a similar situation, not sure what the height is but quite small. i find when warmed up it's no problem, but the morning commute my legs are leaden and slow me up. i tend to stop at the bottom and drink cold water and catch my breath, then i start up the hill middle ring on the front and about 4th or 5th on the back. usually i make it all the way up now without dropping gear, but i find if i need to drop the gear down it goes all the way down to the first rear big granny ring andthen just go nice and slow. on my old MTB I had to stop a couple of times to make it up to the top. It's just taken time to get used to it. When i used to stop on the way up - i would target a lamp post and stop there, then a few days later try to go a little further up before stopping.
 

Rhythm Thief

Legendary Member
Location
Ross on Wye
Just take it nice and steady, in whatever gear feels comfortable. Stop half way if you feel like it. Don't start pissing about with a rucksack full of bricks or try to push your car up a cliff.
 

HobbesChoice

New Member
Location
Essex
the reluctant cyclist said:
I start my route going down a very steep hill. That's a shock to the system on a cold morning!! Gosh it makes your eyes water!!!! It's also not a great way to finish your route!!!!

I have that too. In the cold weather it's like being slapped in the face the whole way down. Eyes streaming, face cheeks feeling tenderised, but 1/2 mile on the clock in less than 2 minutes xx(! On the way home, when I'm unfit, it's a tough climb. When I'm fitter it's a nice "final push" at the end of my journey.
 

I am Spartacus

Über Member
Location
N Staffs
photography27 said:
it is knackering lol, any advice would be welcome

Stick it on the e.g. 39 front ring.. choose a bigger rear cog and just easy up it.. if you start panting away.. go even easier
One day you will stop panting.. but as it is at the start of your ride you still should not amend this style until you have warmed up anyways.
 

HobbesChoice

New Member
Location
Essex
Walk your bike half way up the hill to warm your legs up and get your heart pumping and then, over time, walk less and less until you start from home after a quick indoor warm up?

Don't stretch cold muscles, just jump around a bit to warm yourself up and get your body ready for the exercise.
 
Top Bottom