Careful - it's VERY easy to hurt - or even tear - tear your hamstrings if you try too hard too soon.

1). Practice 360-degree pedaling while on flat roads.

2). If you're used to mashing - mash. As you do more of (1) above, concentrate on 360-degree pedaling on hills during the steepest portions, but don't over exert the hammies until you've done many, many hills.

3). While struggling up a hill, try an interval from time to time. I.e. choose 2 lampposts in the distance, take a few deep breaths, and when you get there, sprint (as much as your body will allow, anyway) between the poles. Do this sparingly at first.

4). Repeat, repeat.

5). Seattle Forrest makes a point, though I would contend that The hills are not your gym - the gym is. Squats, calf raises, and leg curls - low weights, high reps, many sets ... will definitely help.


Good luck!