Climbing, how much?

[SpokeyDokey]

I think I like hills. I suspect that constant effort on the flat would come into the 'hard work' category for me due to the lack of resting on the downhill bits and based largely on a couple of excursions a bit too far east into the flatlands of the Vale of York. Living here in the northern hills also has the upside that I can easily convince myself that my average speeds would be much higher on the flat Later this year, I'm finally going to cycle somewhere other than the 'Yorkshire Dales and other hilly bits nearby' when visiting a friend. Except, he lives in the Pyrenees, so that may not work out too well then

A kindred spirit here (Lakes).

 

[gavgav]

I think it depends on the terrain you are used to and based in. For me, in Shropshire, I would class a hilly ride as approx 50ft per mile, but then when I go on holiday to the Lakes, most rides are around 100ft per mile, which I find very hilly!

 

[Kajjal]

I find about 1000ft per 10 miles builds a good level of fitness once you can keep it going for a good few hours on road.

Mountain biking off road is alot harder as you don't just have the height gain but also big knobbly tyres, have to work to keep traction and also heave the bike over trail hazards like rocks and drainage channels. Its very hard work on long, steep, rougher trails but the downhill makes it worthwhile

 

[nickyboy]

I think I like hills. I suspect that constant effort on the flat would come into the 'hard work' category for me due to the lack of resting on the downhill bits and based largely on a couple of excursions a bit too far east into the flatlands of the Vale of York. Living here in the northern hills also has the upside that I can easily convince myself that my average speeds would be much higher on the flat Later this year, I'm finally going to cycle somewhere other than the 'Yorkshire Dales and other hilly bits nearby' when visiting a friend. Except, he lives in the Pyrenees, so that may not work out too well then

Good news is that we eat those Strava climbing challenges for breakfast

It's funny what you get used to. As I said, 100ft/mile is pretty standard around the Peak District. So when I get to do a 70ft/mile ride it feels.....easy. Having said that I did my 40 mile/5,000ft ride on Monday and those extra 25ft/mile really count. Certainly wouldn't want to do a long ride @125ft/mile

My CC Llandudno ride coming up is 28ft/mile.....can't wait

 

[Ajax Bay]

The Mille Pennines Audax 1-4 July is relatively flat: only 11750m of climbing spread over 1006km - about 60ft per mile for the 'imperial' users. So a 'flat' ride then.
But Hardknott and Wrynose Passes in the Lakes and Rosedale Chimney on the North York Moor will test.

 

[sackville d]

I like hills but the problem I have is that in order to escape the busy valley roads in and out of Todmorden, the most obvious choice is Cross Stone Road. That leads to some lovely alternative roads and would be fine if it were only 5-10% gradient but it has a long initial section of 15-20% which is a killer with just 1 km of a warm-up. I should start doing 10-15 minutes on my spinning bike before setting off up that way.

Or you could do the Lumbutts \Mankinholes loop going up Lumbutts Rd and coming down either Woodhouse Rd or Shaw Wood Rd to warm up then back along Burnley Rd to the bottom of Cross Stone. Thats got to be better than 15 minutes on a turbo surely Colin? That loop is a little gem,

 

[ColinJ]

Or you could do the Lumbutts \Mankinholes loop going up Lumbutts Rd and coming down either Woodhouse Rd or Shaw Wood Rd to warm up then back along Burnley Rd to the bottom of Cross Stone. Thats got to be better than 15 minutes on a turbo surely Colin? That loop is a little gem,

Yes, I do that quite frequently, in both directions. I am not keen on that potholed stretch of road from the centre of Tod past Morrisons though! When on my CX bike, I have been going along the cycleway from the railway station to miss that bit out.

Sometimes when going to Littleborough I do a liitle bit of the A646, Woodhouse Rd, Lumbutts Rd, Hollins Rd to Walsden, a stretch on the A6033 through the village and then climb Calderbrook Rd and come into Littleborough by the scenic route. A landslip forced the closure of the road to cars but it is fine for bikes, though the broken up road is a trap for the unwary cyclist coming the other way ... I nearly came a cropper on it the first time I descended that way after the landslip!
I shouldn't complain ... yesterday I climbed Moss Lane to get out of Hebden Bridge, avoiding rush hour traffic, and that little climb is a PIG!

 

[Dogtrousers]

I rode a 100 miler at the weekend. I even put my GPS onto imperial as I was helping out with ride leading and needed to set a pace and people were talking in mph and miles ridden. Anyway, that meant the elevation was in feet which meant absolutely nothing to me. Sooo.... when I got home and uploaded the ride I found that the GPX recorded elevation was 1,999m Harrumph

I should have thrown my GPS in the air at the end to celebrate.

 

[Sea of vapours]

I should have thrown my GPS in the air at the end to celebrate.

Now that is an idea with merit! A celebratory, upward lobbing of the device at every hill top could certainly make a difference

 

[marcusjb]

The Mille Pennines Audax 1-4 July is relatively flat: only 11750m of climbing spread over 1006km - about 60ft per mile for the 'imperial' users. So a 'flat' ride then.
But Hardknott and Wrynose Passes in the Lakes and Rosedale Chimney on the North York Moor will test.

Some of the stages are remarkably lacking in ascent, so it'll be all good to get a breather.

As ever, long events tend to skew the numbers somewhat - this summer I should climb over 30000m in a week, but the overall percentage will be fairly low due to the distance.

Looking forward to the Mille Pennines though, should be spectacular.

 

[leedsmick]

Interesting thread. I usualy do just 60 minute rides on my lunch hour which are normally 14 miles ish. Ft climbed is around 800/900 so looks like im taking it easy compared to everyone. Best plot some harder loops !

 

[Louch]

Depends on terrain. I can leave the house and go left, and do about 200ft in 16 miles, or I can go right and do 2000 in 22 miles. Get lots of wind for resistance though to balance it out

 

[Ajax Bay]

this summer I should climb over 30000m in a week, but the overall percentage will be fairly low due to the distance.

Well before you average, say, 250km climbing 4000+m a day, for a week - which I have to say sounds 'on the limit' Marcus, I hope you'll take time to refuel after the Mille Pennines (see you there).

 

[marcusjb]

Totally on the limit, real chance of failure, but that's all good as succeeding at everything you try means you definitely need to aim higher.

I will have three or so weeks to recover before the Mille Pennines, so all should be fine. See you there!

 

[nathanliu]

For the speed,I think it's good for you which is OK.