Conquering Hills on a Bicycle

[PrayForDeath]

So after taking a day off, the next day I felt much better while riding. I could power through most of the hills without trouble, and only had to stop once during my 1 hour session to drink a small bottle of water. I tried to stay on the middle front gear as long as possible and managed to climb most of the hills without switching down. I still had to drop to the lowest gear on the toughest hill though.

I also had coffee before riding, but I'm not sure if it had any effect on my performance.

I tried standing up while climbing, but I couldn't do it efficiently and I had to sit back right away. I think I'm doing something wrong, cause the moment I stand up I start losing my balance, and it takes me alot of effort just to balance while pedaling, and it seemed like a huge waste of energy. I guess there's something wrong with my stance.

And what do you guys think of taking a little candy bar like a mini twix instead of fruits pre-ride?

 

[Ghiedo27]

So after taking a day off, the next day I felt much better while riding. I could power through most of the hills without trouble, and only had to stop once during my 1 hour session to drink a small bottle of water.

I'm glad to hear that! Recovery makes or breaks your long term success. I recommend adding some stretching and massage to go with a day or 2 off every week. Once a month I like to have more comprehensive recovery with 2 days of recovery ride pace (in addition to the 2 days off) to consolidate gains. Just something you may want to try.

I tried to stay on the middle front gear as long as possible and managed to climb most of the hills without switching down. I still had to drop to the lowest gear on the toughest hill though.

How did your legs feel?

The moment I stand up I start losing my balance.

How do your arms feel? If your weight is centered you shouldn't have much stress on them. You should also be pulling up on the same side as the leg that's pushing down. Do you have any balance problems off of the bike?

What do you guys think of taking a little candy bar like a mini twix instead of fruits pre-ride?

I've seen people eat almost anything. TBH, I just go with my stomach. Chocolate doesn't agree with me, but cheez-its and rice crispy treats do. Try stuff and let your gut pick its favorite. An exception to this would be power gels. They seem to have a breaking in period where your body gets used to them.

 

[Gravity]

Loose weight, htfu...

+1

Power to weight ratio is important in cycling. Keep riding, ride longer, find a group that rides in your area and ride with them.

Gravity