Psychological preparation before you climb a hill?

[Cyclist33]

On the approach I normally say "Oh b*ll*x".

On the way up I try to visualise myself dragging a stubborn donkey along a flat road. If the hill gets steeper, I imagine the donkey becoming more stubborn. That way, the slope becomes a load to pull rather than an uphill struggle.

I don't really go up hills very much at all, it has to be said. I do think the theory is sound, though!

I often yell "keep it! keep it!" when struggling towards the top of a slope and wanting to stop.

 

[midlife]

Here's how not to do it................

Here's me on a Hill Climb, spotting the camera man and posing for the shot, losing valuable seconds as I pretend it's not hurting.

shaun

 

[MontyVeda]

I simply ask myself if this hill will ever get any easier... followed by 'probably not' about half way up it

 

[Phixion]

I find it easier to get up hills if I have a woman clad in lycra to follow.

 

[coffeejo]

I find it easier to get up hills if I have a woman clad in lycra to follow.

That's not at all creepy. Oh no.

 

[Easytigers]

Strangely, I always take a swig from my water bottle 'just in case I get dehydrated' on the way up...I know it probably makes no difference at all for the actual climb but just makes me feel better in my head!

 

[Drago]

As i approach a steep hill I tear off my t shirt Hulk Hogan style, beat my chest and scream "beefcake!", then leap on the bike and pedal furiously in the lowest gear at 2mph.

 

[Learnincurve]

Just ride up it

Location:
Cambridgeshire

I'm not directing all my sads at you but it's always always people from flat places that say this sort of thing. I'm not sure if it's because they don't know what it's like having a 256ft climb over a mile if you want to pick up milk or if it's the equivalent of my dad going woooo woooo whenever we go in tunnels but It's never ever funny for those of us who live in hilly areas. so and again.

 

[Learnincurve]

Strangely, I always take a swig from my water bottle 'just in case I get dehydrated' on the way up...I know it probably makes no difference at all for the actual climb but just makes me feel better in my head!

Actually it will, the rule is that if you feel thirsty it's already too late so you need to drink a load at the bottom to "pre-load" and then again at the top or risk the dreaded bonk. This is a rule for riders of any level.

 

[Origamist]

Here's how not to do it................

Here's me on a Hill Climb, spotting the camera man and posing for the shot, losing valuable seconds as I pretend it's not hurting.

shaun

Nice image. The young girl is praying you make it to the top and her friend looks like she would rather be anywhere else than stood by the side of the road watching people suffer for fun.

 

[Paul.G.]

I turn into Eddie Izzard. No matter how much it now irritates me, I can't get it out of my head. It does distract me enough though sometimes

I start muttering...

No pain, no gain
No fish, no foul
No toast, no jam
No hair, no haircut

I have a similar thing, mine is Sean Kelly,s voice in my head, one word for each "forced" peddle stroke....

Keep on pushing on, keep on pushing on........

 

[Hacienda71]

I seek out hills when I am in the mood. Never dread a hill look forward to the challenge. I try to go faster. There are exceptions to the rule if the hill is a mile or more with a max gradient over 25% then the fun element diminishes and the battle with the chimp ensues.

 

[nickyboy]

I seek out hills when I am in the mood. Never dread a hill look forward to the challenge. I try to go faster. There are exceptions to the rule if the hill is a mile or more with a max gradient over 25% then the fun element diminishes and the battle with the chimp ensues.

Although not quite 25% I did the climb out of Goyt Valley to the top of Long Hill yesterday. Only just beat the chimp on that one.

The thing I really don't like about hills is when I don't know the length or profile. Can't measure the effort. I had one out of Slaithwiate that started off about 10% which was hard but manageable. Then it went to 15% and I was suffering. Then it went to 20% and I had no idea where the top was. When it hit 25% on a hairpin I got off for a breather. Turned out I was 50m from the top

 

[Hacienda71]

Although not quite 25% I did the climb out of Goyt Valley to the top of Long Hill yesterday. Only just beat the chimp on that one.

The thing I really don't like about hills is when I don't know the length or profile. Can't measure the effort. I had one out of Slaithwiate that started off about 10% which was hard but manageable. Then it went to 15% and I was suffering. Then it went to 20% and I had no idea where the top was. When it hit 25% on a hairpin I got off for a breather. Turned out I was 50m from the top

There is a Strava segment that starts by going up Blaze Hill from Bollington then Pyms Chair via Jenkins Chapel and then Goyts Lane to Long Hill it is iirc called A Masochists Delight. Pyms Chair in the middle is a right bugger horrible near the top. The Goyt Lane climb after seems easy but does go on and on with nowhere to hide. Until you see a car at the top you think it isn't that far then you realise you aren't even half way up. Lol

 

[Cuchilo]

I want to sprint up white down hill . Any other hill is just training .