For the average rider- once you get over the initial hurt stage stage- some big improvements come in the first 6 months of riding. They are noticable and that big hill you used to struggle on is just a pimple- average speed has gone up and distance has rocketed. This is due to a certain amount of fitness coming in and the size of those improvements have come about from how low a base you have started.

But personal fitness is one thing- "Bike Fitness" is another. That takes time to aquire. After those 6 months- improvements tail off and any improvements come slowly but come they do. I have a hill that I attempted when I first started and it was a struggle. In fact it is still a struggle but over the years I have got to know myself- my body and I have got the right mindset. Improved bikes may also help a bit aswell but my body has got attuned to being pushed just to the limit and my brain has known where that limit is.

So I reckon that right now you have aquired that bike fitness. From now on you have to get the brain to use it correctly.

Think back to that first 6 months and you will understand what I am talking about. The first two years of your cycling have bought you to the stage where you can use the fitness and skills it has taken this long to aquire. So stop moaning and go and find that big hill and do 5 repeats up it. Then do it again in a years time and see how you have improved again.