Hill climbing technique and general coast to coast tips

[mikeyw]

Hi All,

Did my last training ride before this weekends coast to coast charity ride. Have done a few 30+mile rides without stopping and loads of brisk 15-20milers so hopefully should be ok. Obviously it's all about getting there and not a race in our group so we'll break it up into manageable chunks.

So my question - i've always climbed hills without really thinking about optimum technique, i guess like most things using the correct technique is vital. What I tend to do on the steep stuff is get in easiest gear push back on the saddle and try and use the spd's to pull the pedals up and push them over the top, if i've gone completely i'll stand on the pedals for the remainder of the climb if i can. Is there such a thing as the ideal technique or is it just a case of finding what works for you ?

Also any general advice about the ride ? - obviously we've got all the usual stuff like energy drinks, bars, gels etc and support vehicles carrying spares etc. Is it better to keep feeding through the ride rather that a long stop half way for a big lunch - i guess it must be and i'm sure we'll do this.

Finally 150 miles is going to take its toll on my backside, even tonight after 33miles it was a tad 'dry and sore' - is it best to apply a decent drop of Vaseline to be on the safe side each day

Here's to a decent westerly to blow me up those hills

Tia,
Mike.

 

[Ste T.]

Hi Mikey, My advice is to enjoy every minute of it. Even any miserable, rainy, sweaty ones because it will be over before you know it, and you will be able to look back with pride. Oh, and take plenty of photos to remind you of the best bits. You never know, if you get the bug, this time next year could see you cycletouring the Yorkshire Dales. Keep us posted, good luck.

 

[palinurus]

is it just a case of finding what works for you ?

Largely yes, takes time to gain the experience though.

Gear down early and get into a good rhythm. Don't try too hard, especially at the start of a climb.

 

[palinurus]

Is it better to keep feeding through the ride rather that a long stop half way for a big lunch - i guess it must be and i'm sure we'll do this.

Eat and drink regularly throughout.

And have a long stop for lunch!

 

[jig-sore]

for hills... sit upright, hold the bars at the top and relax the top of your body. spinning is better than grinding but when you run out of gears sometimes grinding is all you can do. pulling up on the pedals is not recommended really,

try to stay seated and only stand when you need to boost your spinning speed. i stay seated 99% of the time in climbing.

i read of a technique once where you push harder on alternative feet on every third stroke. stroke, stroke, push left, stroke, stroke, push right etc. it kinda works but thats more down to personal taste, i dont use it very often.

oh, and the best way to climb hills is to draft a tractor (dont try holding on unless you want to die), 20mph up a hill i normally climb at 13mph, and only cos the tractor couldn't go any faster.

 

[mikeyw]

Thanks guys - some useful stuff there.....no replies on he old Vaseline though

 

[mcshroom]

Other than enjoy it a few quick ones bits.

If you are doing the Whitehaven route: -

The bridge at Low Lorton has not been rebuilt yet (or hadn't when I went down there a few weeks back). The route diverts straight round over another bridge but just be careful if you are following a GPS. (I think the Diverted route is shown on the new 2010 maps)

Don't launch into the rail-path at the start. It climbs slowly but steadily for a long time (oh and watch for glass in Mirehouse at about mile 2-3)

If you are using the Workington Route: -

The bridge out of Workington is closed (fallen down). There is a signed diversion over the new footbridge. DO NOT cycle over the footbridge as the police are known to fine riders who do! (I think the Diverted route is shown on the new 2010 maps)


Whether or not you are using that route: -

Try and wear clean shorts for each day. Bacteria like the dampness that shorts develop when riding and that's how saddle sores develop.

Take as many pictures as you possibly can. They really help the memories when you get back.

Oh and of course come back here and tell us all about it when you've finished!

 

[jig-sore]

Thanks guys - some useful stuff there.....no replies on he old Vaseline though

Vaseline has so many uses it would be a crime not to pack some

 

[PK99]

Finally 150 miles is going to take its toll on my backside, even tonight after 33miles it was a tad 'dry and sore' - is it best to apply a decent drop of Vaseline to be on the safe side each day

Here's to a decent westerly to blow me up those hills

Tia,
Mike.

Sudocreme nappy rash cream does the job for me!

 

[jig-sore]

Sudocreme nappy rash cream does the job for me!

nope, drys out the skin too much

 

[TrevorM]

For long hills I alternate between 3 different pedalling styles. Easier to show than to explain but here goes...

Style 1 is just whatever your normal pedalling style is.
Style 2. On the downstroke push down slightly more through your heel than through the ball of your foot. Your heel should be a bit lower than normal at the bottom.
Style 3. Imagine there is a paintbrush pointing forward from your pedal. On the downstroke gradually rotate your ankle forward to tilt the pedal down so you can paint a stripe on the road with each stroke. Your toe should be a few inches lower than normal at the bottom.

Use style 1 for 75-80% of the climb and use the other 2 as you prefer. The idea is that styles 2 and 3 use slightly different muscle groups and take a bit of pressure of your thigh muscles. But they use smaller muscle groups so you can't overuse them. Style 2 seems well suited to a back of the saddle position.

However I wouldn't experiment with it this weekend. You might find your ankles aren't happy with the extra rotation.

Good luck and enjoy it!