Complete beginner

[Hill Wimp]

If it helps with any hills that attempt to defeat you i just get off and get my breath. I don't walk but when the breath has been got so to speak i get back on and go again. That way in my mind i have not been defeated as i have actually ridden it all.
Whatever works for you works fine here too.

Thankfully on my local hills i can continue on without having to do this after my fab bike fit.

 

[Gravity Aided]

I even have hills that require me to get into two-foot gear. Just a stroll, good for the muscles.

 

[Hill Wimp]

I even have hills that require me to get into two-foot gear. Just a stroll, good for the muscles.

It's funny how the images of places around the world can be so totally wrong. I only ever imagine your lovely flat prairies and not a hill in sight.

One thing this forum has helped me to do is to pick out the places to visit when I retire in 4 years. I think I'm leaning towards being a pack up and tour cyclist then. So much I have yet to see.

 

[Gravity Aided]

In Illinois, watch out for the river valleys. They can be quite abrupt at times. The Peoria Metro is a good example of an urban area with lots of elevation changes and many deep ravines and woody areas.