Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - *grumble* Frickin' hills *grumble* skinny bf

There's been continuing improvement on the quest to commute by cycling. I'm up to 8km without being dead the next day. I've got Aaron's (the bf) bike adjusted more appropriately for him, which mostly consists of sneaking the seat higher on him. We've got a system now to head out together: I hit the road, he hits the sidewalk and we head for the bike paths paralleling each other along the way. (yeah yeah, I know what you all say about the sidewalks but he's REALLY not ready for the road)
Last night's trip was even his suggestion instead of mine which is AWESOME!

So we go the farthest yet last night and I realize that there is a long slow grade to the bike path right at my midway point of the commute route. It'll be great on the way to work (whee) but it SUCKS on the way back. Its the longest uphill stretch I've tried by far at this point and I've attempted it on my longest ride. Long version shortened, I'm pedalling my butt off working my way up the hill shifting gears all the way and playing tug o' war with gravity while Aaron zips past me without changing gears once. Granted, I don't think he's really figured out the gears yet, but still ...

He does have a few advantages on me (a foot taller, prob 70lbs lighter and 700 wheels vs my 26ers) but mildly irritating. Must think positive, its not a competition. 3 to 8 km in a month isn't bad and I'm seriously considering starting 1 way commuting tomorrow...

Climbing the hill will get much easier when you ride it every day.

:roflmao2: :p I know, I know .... but it sucks NOW... (anyone have some cheese to go with my fine whine?)

lol. its always a competition!!!! i cant stand it if i cant catch the person in front of me.... also gives me motivation in training etc.

Ugh. Boys & their bigger muscles... It's enough to make you :twitchy:

Keep at it. Remember that he is still riding on the sidewalk & you are on the road. Plus riding it everyday to work will make you stronger faster....

Hills are the bain of all cyclists, more so for those of us on whom gravity bestows extra blessings. Keep practicing and they won't get easier, you'll just climb them faster.

edit: Clipless pedals make climbing hills easier.

http://www.lighthousecheese.com/images/page_photos/home_cheese.jpg:D


:roflmao2: :p I know, I know .... but it sucks NOW... (anyone have some cheese to go with my fine whine?)

Thanks Tom, that looks like some gooooooood cheese!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot,you should air down your bf's tires to slow him down.;)

Oh yeah, I almost forgot,you should air down your bf's tires to slow him down.;)

:roflmao2::roflmao2::roflmao2:

I love it ... either that or get out the batman grappling hook to hitch a ride up the hill.

(yeah yeah, I know what you all say about the sidewalks but he's REALLY not ready for the road)

Why? Are you going out with an eight year old girl? Tell him mummy says that he can go on the road like an adult.

Why? Are you going out with an eight year old girl? Tell him mummy says that he can go on the road like an adult.

Actually, because:
(a) he has fairly severe ADD and doesn't drive a car due to the difficulties he has with multiple distractions. He's distracted enough already with everything that he can't focus on switching gears while riding. For him to go into traffic right now would be downright dangerous for both of us.

(b) he hasn't ridden a bike since he was 12 yrs old and this was ride number 3

...oh yes and (c) he's already supportive enough to come out with me :love:, he doesn't have to deal with road traffic until he's d@mn well good and ready.

Are those good enough reasons?

Actually, because:
(a) he has fairly severe ADD and doesn't drive a car due to the difficulties he has with multiple distractions. He's distracted enough already with everything that he can't focus on switching gears while riding. For him to go into traffic right now would be downright dangerous for both of us.

(b) he hasn't ridden a bike since he was 12 yrs old and this was ride number 3

...oh yes and (c) he's already supportive enough to come out with me :love:, he doesn't have to deal with road traffic until he's d@mn well good and ready.

Are those good enough reasons?

Good enough for me. I'm not saying this to poke fun or to be mean, but has he considered slightly opaque blinders? They are suppose to help in cases of severe ADD.