New to cycling - hills

[totallyfixed]

Hill climbing is perversely what I enjoy, and that is the secret. You can skip through quite a few chapters by talking to someone experienced and getting them to watch you. It's quite strange how hills inspire fear when getting to the top of one is such a great feeling and then you have the views and downhill to look forward to.

 

[Cal]

It's the downhill bit that keeps me going. I say keeps me going, even if the 'going' is me getting off. Spectacular views at the top. I'm going to take note of everything here and in a few months hopefully look back and chuckle at the very thought of walking up!

 

[Mugshot]

Not sure if anyones asked this or not, didn't notice it. Are you able to stand up and pedal or are you doing it all sitting down?
I also didn't notice if you answered the question about what bike and gearing you had.
Also is it a new bike or one thats been sat in the shed for a little too long? It may need a bit of TLC, bit of grease here and there, little spot of oil where it counts and the right amount of air in the tyres can work wonders!
I, as a number of others here seem to prefer, don't look at the top of the hill, I just concentrate far enough ahead that I'm not going to crash into anything, although I can't resist stealing the odd glance now and again, the top is always further away than I thought it would be! As for a mantra, I'm not aware of one but I suspect it's something like "Please make it stop, my legs are burning!" repeated over and over again with increasing desperation.

 

[Friz]

good job it's a fairly quiet route as there may be a touch of swearing there as well.

Oh I'm glad I'm not the only one.

One thing I have noticed - even when it's been really painful, I get home, 10 minutes later I want to go out again - what's all that about?! (I'd no idea it'd be so addictive)

I hear that....

 

[TwoPosts]

Cal

Ditto on being mid forties

At the start of this year I bought a road bike. I set myself two goals one of which was to cycle up a short but steep hill (Watership Down - north face) before the year was out.

Over the year I got progressively fitter and noticed I was getting up longer and steeper hills that previously I would have given up on or been absolutely knackered at the top.

I failed twice during the year getting up Watership Down, but at the end of September on a beautfiful evening just as the sun was setting I finally made it all the way up without bailing.

There is no real magic bullet to hills you just have to cycle more than you do now and for longer distances. If it helps I noticed I was getting fitter almost immediately.

By then end of the summer I was doing two mid week rides of around 15 miles each on the road bike (as fast as I could) and a weekend ride of 25 - 50 miles (depending on if I chose to ride the road bike or hybrid)

I still don't find hills easy, in my case it seems the fitter I get the more I attack them, but I also find my recovery at the top of the hill is much quicker.

I now don't fear the local hills and no longer plan routes that avoid them.

Peter

 

[gbs]

As usual lots of good advice from other posters.

One point that I did not see following a quick glance is the importance of breathing OUT. I could substantiate this with a medical explanation if you wish but essentially the idea is to clear the lungs so they can better receive new air; try to breath out for twice as long as you breathe in.

 

[Cal]

It's a new bike, hybrid with 18 gears, I switch between 2 and 1 for the hill depending on how fast I'm pedalling (that's cadence right?) if I have to drop down to 1 and can't get any further that's when I stop, but that's both legs and breathing. I recover quickly though, I felt better cycling up it on Tuesday, still stopped quite a bit but seemed to be jumping back on in no time - really felt it in my legs afterwards, they felt like jelly. And I've discovered developing muscles I didn't know I had



Next step after I've conquered this is the Ramsbottom Rake!

 

[slowmotion]

Welcome Cal.
I'm absolutely rubbish on hills so perhaps my advice is not good. I got a bike , after decades away, about two and a half years ago, and I was totally unfit. I'm a fair bit older than you and have found hills to be quite hard. It does get better. I can get to the top of a few that completely defeated me a year ago, but many others still leave me gasping and stopped at the side of the road. My only advice is stick at it and do not despair. By the way, resting by the side of the road for a minute or two and then getting back in the saddle for a bit more climbing is a whole lot less effort that walking a bike uphill. Better for morale too!

Good luck.