you can find some "climbs" in your area if you head over to peoria near the river valley. there are some roads that will give you some so-so grades for well over a mile along that area, might wanna check with a few Peoria bike shops to find 'em though. not ideal, but better than bloomington area for sure. if you have weekends available head to S. IL to the Shawnee Forest area and ride there, some good "climbs" there as well. focus on cardio, work on boosting it what little you can in the time you have. there's likely no way that climb isn't going to hurt, but will probably be worth the effort. the enjoyment will come when you get to the top and ride back down, going up is going to suck.