Hill 1 : Commuter 0
 

Since it is Sunday on a holiday weekend here in the States, I decided to go into work a little latter and take my time getting in. After all, I don't need to be here anyway! Well, except that I told the publisher of my book I'm co-authoring that I'd have chapter 1 to him by Tuesday and it still isn't completed <insert grumbling about Chicago citation style here>.

I decided to go a slightly longer way (9.8 miles) where the highest point is about 900 feet higher than the lowest (according to my bike computer). It is basically one big ridge/hill so on the way to the highest point there isn't many downhills or even flats to rest on. Well, I did good at first, but when I hit the steeper section, I couldn't do it. I had to get off and walk :(. I got back on the bike and off a few times. I guess I can say at least I didn't turn around. Next time I'll try it coming home. It should be easier because I'm already 1/3 up the ridge so there is less climbing and I think the grade is little better. Maybe if I took out some of the weight from my bike trunk it would've helped some but honestly, I just can't do it -- yet!

Once I was going up a hill, and I could see the cross street up ahead about 20 yards where the hill topped out. I just couldn't make it. I was in too high a gear and couldn't shift at that point. I was stanging at the time and going about .02 miles per hour on the hill.

Chicago Notes and Bib is the best citation style and I will not hear anything said against it :p

When traffic is low, I use the road width and make my own switch-backs.

This probably would've worked on this hill. It is pretty low traffic and not too many blind turns. Maybe next time I'll try it.

It might be the best, but I don't know it yet so I don't like it :-). I guess by the time the book is finished, I'll have a better understanding.

Do not look up to the top of the hill. Look at the road right in front of your tire. Looking up just brings your mind into the equation, and the results will be that the hill defeats you.

Attack the bottom of the hill with as much speed and momentum as you can, then work your way through your gears as you loose momentum. Wait till your 80% up the hill before you stand on the pedals (if you choose to).

There's one hill in western Massachusetts that defeated me every time, near where my in-laws have a house in the Berkshires. But two or three years ago I was determined to make it up and I did. It wasn't so much that it was steep, it just didn't let up. There was one point where it leveled and I took a breather while still pedaling and gained enough wind to go the rest. Once at the top it was an easy 40 mile ride. I was planning on doing it this weekend, but we changed plans and didn't go up there and went to the beach instead. No bikes at this beach, no cars either, nor roads. Just boardwalks on Fire Island.

Be tough, NEVER, EVER push your bike. If you cant ride it up a hill, CARRY it.

Let the air out of one of the tires so you can say you have a flat.

We've all been there at one point, terrapin. Just keep attacking those hills and you'll get stronger. :thumb:

My two observations about hills:
1. They get easier as you get to know them. I guess you learn how to make the climb.
2. Otherwise, walking is very healthy too.

in the mountains of Florida thats fine :rolleyes:

Easier gearing?

Hills are tough. I've got some killer hills on my commute. Sometimes my legs are fresh, and I do the hills. On other days, I walk them. I'd rather enjoy my trip than let pride get in the way.

Hills do get easier though. I could do the hills maybe maybe once or twice a week, a couple years ago. I now do them pretty much 4 days a week without issue. The more you do them, the easier they get.

If his description is accurate, he's talking about a real hill/climb not just a roller. 900 feet of elevation is a decent climb, and I assume it's around 3 miles long? If you keep it up your lengs/lungs/heart will get stronger and the route will gradually take less time to complete. You've got the right attitude and soon this will be Hill: 0, Commuter: 1