Randallissimo

And how. I live at sea level and don't usually ride hills very much. Today a friend invited me to ride in his neck of the woods. He lives in an area that is mostly hilly, and small mountains. His usual ride is 20 miles, and he doesn't like to do more because of back problems. I thought he had an older bike and was a once in a while rider.

I get there and he pulls out a Specialized Roubaiux. We take off at about 25mph. Good, this will be a fast short ride I think. About 7 miles later after climbing for about 3 miles I am crying for my mommy. Mr 50+ is showing no signs of wear. We take a breather and head out again. a few miles later about 3/4 up a climb I do what I have never had to do before. I have to dismount and quiver for a bit. Embarrassment. After about 5 mins I get back on and crest, but I have to get off one more time later on another hill. I was fast on the flats, but I had nothing going uphill.

I should point out that I am recovering (fully I thought) from surgery 3.5 weeks ago. And that I rode 50 miles in the two days before. I'm 49 years old and I can't ride as often as I'd like. But still... I got my arse kicked.

J.Lockdown

How long did you take off after the surgery? If I recall correctly (from training bible) you lose a estimated 1-2% of your fitness per week starting with the 2 week of no training. Also depending on the intensity of your two days before might have just contributed to a tired system.

Also if thats his normal route then hes going to perform better in most circumstances then someone who does similar training on flat ground.

mintygood

Don't feel bad if you're not used to it. I rode an extremely hilly 24 mile course yesterday and had to walk it up the very last hill on the way home. It will come with practice.

Randallissimo

Yeah, I did feel tired right away. Definitely humbled. But plotting my return!

ImaPoser

I thought I was making great progress when I got my daily rides up to 30 miles, and my weekend rides up to 45. But, all of those were on mostly flat terrain. I decided to change it up and start going over the hills instead of around them, and I am down to doing 20-30 mile rides.
Hills suck.

KiddSisko

What kind of surgery?

Riding up hills does take a different set of muscles. Just keep doing it.

Jude

Move to a place like Harrisonburg, Virginia and commute everywhere. Your body will have no choice but to get in awesome shape. I know coming down here after a summer in relatively flat Philly is a brutal awakening.

HenryL

Sometimes you eat the bear.
Sometimes the bear eats you.

Try to find something positive about the ride and take it into the next ride.

gcottay

Cresting on bike, foot or knees is still cresting.

yuanja

There are differences between hills and flats. I actually think flat is harder to get good at. Hills are easier with lighter bikes

ridethecliche

That sounds low for some reason.