I have a training ride that has been challenging me this summer. Up at my country home in the mountians of WV I have a route I like to work the hills. This particular section is 3.5 miles long with grades I would suggest are 15%+ in difficulty.

Today I set out on the ride which starts out with a 1 mile climb then a nice down hill for 3.5 miles to another highway. From here I do a good 18 mile round trip then come back for the climb back up the the steep grade. I have bailed on 3 other attempts on this one very steep section and given up in shame and pushed the bike up the hill.

On this training ride I relaxed, kept the H/R in line before the climb, dumped the water from both bottles and sat back and relaxed. Through much grinding, and on occasion needed to come out of the saddle to get extra push but I made the climb without shame this time.

It was my first attempt with my new Orbea and I was using a 39X23 ratio for the steep part. I love this bike, it climbs well. Sometimes it is about the bike. I'm pumped!!!

Good going, Congrats!

Thanks, it's a minor issue in the real world but to me it indicates the training is paying off. This damn climb had been kicking my butt.

Way to keep at it jchet!! These are the moments that keep us pushing on to the next goal.