September - Conquering Hills

The sight of a hill up ahead can be a refreshing challenge or an unwelcomed trial. Either way, learning proper climbing techniques can make your ride more enjoyable! The best approach depends on the length of your ride, the type and number of hills, your fitness level, and your cycling experience.

During longer rides or routes with a number of hills, you will probably want to focus on conserving energy. Shift to a gear where you can keep pedaling comfortably, with relatively low resistance.

Different climbing strategies should be used for climbing an isolated hill versus a series of hills:

One Hill: You may want to power over some small hills by picking up speed on the flat stretch before the hill and gradually shifting to a lower gear (decreasing resistance) as you climb it. As the hill begins to level out, you can use more power without shifting down to an easier gear or, if you're comfortable, you can stand up.

When deciding whether to remain seated or stand while climbing you should consider the length and steepness of the hill. You can stand to power over short, steep hills, but will generally want to remain seated during long, gradual hills to conserve energy. You may find that alternating between sitting and standing works well for you.

Series of Hills: You can apply the advice given above for each hill in a series, but you will want to make more of an effort to conserve energy. Try to take advantage of downhill sections to build momentum for the next climb (Ken Kifer's Bike Pages).

Downhill Tips: When you're descending be sure to watch out for rough patches, cracks and gravel that can be especially dangerous at higher speeds. Keep the speed comfortable! Continue pedaling for better control over the bike, and lightly apply both brakes if you need to slow down.

Alternative Routes: Many new riders don't feel comfortable climbing hills, especially in heavy traffic - and that's ok! In this case, you may want to seek out an alternative route. Even if a flatter route is longer, it may be just as fast. Remember, it's important to feel safe, comfortable and confident, so do what feels right to you.