Loving my addiction - Kicked the Hills today!!
 

Wanted to take a longer ride today (30+) given the time I had, but it turned out to be a bit too warm to try the ride I had mapped (88 degrees, first time I think I've been on the bike on an 80+ day all year, but then we've only had a couple....). So, I decided to stay in town, and try all the hills in this hilly side of town.

Having had my butt handed to me last weekend by the final hills on a 72 miler (my longest ride ever), I was a bit apprehensive. But doggone it, I kicked every hill I tried, and then rode over them in the opposite directions to make sure I got em both ways. Took me an hour and forty to go only 19 miles, but I think I knocked off all the bullys that had my psyched out. Two months ago, I couldn't ride a single one of those hills - no, more like 6 weeks ago.

I am thoroughly re-addicted to riding after a 25 year hiatus. Have lost 20 pounds since mid-May, and am simply loving being on my bike. Already wanting to upgrade to a road bike (I have a cyclocross bike, insane enough to think I am going to try 'cross in October), and my wife is considering doing the same.

Wish I hadn't spent the last 25 years not cycling - but it sure is fun now. Next month, after a few more local hill workouts, going to hit a couple that "Map My Ride" calls Category 3 (1.5 miles at 6%+).

And, a nice thing about losing weight - I figger that I've saved thousands on a lightweight bike every time I lose 5 pounds. :D

Wow, that's fantastic! I noticed I'm improving on hills, finally. I hoped for this and made sure to ride much more than I did last year, and it's paying off. I'm in a very hilly area and want to use my bike for more errands. Sounds like you're having a great time!

Fantastic, David58! :thumb:

I'm noticing the same improvement after 6 weeks too. It is thrilling to ride right up these hills that used to have me walking! Even a short ride with all the hills around here used to kill me, but now I can go anywhere I need to and get my errands done easily.

Yay, us! We're getting stronger every day. :)

That's a good story. Congrats. Keep on enjoying every ride.

David, don't beat yourself up over the last 25 years. Rather, focus on the next 25 years. Think about how many miles you'll ride and the places you'll go.

Dave, glad to hear of your success on the hills. Now I just don't like to talk about "kicking hills". I don't think they really care. It am glad to hear that you have been able to successfully climb some of your local monsters.