Originally Posted by
Daytrip
Once I started climbing steep hills standing up, it's been easier for me. Climbing out of the saddle requires more cardio and less leg action, and I happen to be stronger in the former category.
I learned about the inevitability of getting over hills on rides when my only options were: climb the freaking hills and get over it, or call my wife and have her come pick me up. So, I always grit it out, even though it starts to hurt after awhile. In that respect, it's a lot like riding in the cold--you do it because you don't have any choice if you want to get home.
I had the same experience with XC skiing. You learn to love climbing hills as part of the process if you live in a hilly area, or you quit doing the activity. Anybody who can ride a century can handle hills, Machka. I think I learned that from you.
That's me. When I stand, I can fly by others on a hill regardless of whether they are seated or standing. Part of that is I have a high proportion of slow twitch muscle fiber. I learned that from running when I found out my 10K race time was about the same as my 10K split in a 10 mile or half marathon. The other part is my body weight of 170 lbs at 6'0".