I'm getting worse! Newbie time in saddle and hill advice

[13 rider]

Search you tube for GCN ( global cycling network) lots of instructional videos including bike set up. I would get bored doing the same route . I would find 3 or more loops .Hard but short .medium ,easier and flatter and rotate them if your not feeling it do the easier and if your up for it do the hard. Climbing is a mental challenge just try and get further up each time . If you stop try not to walk ,rest and go again so you know you can climb the hill. Good luck and keep enjoying that matters the most

 

[Reddragon]

Thank you will stop the walking and try and get the bike going after a rest next time, off to work out some routes

 

[Nigelnaturist]

From what info you gave it is pretty low geared, so once you have the seat height correct its just a matter of perseverance, and there are times when you seem to make no gains, but it will come.

 

[howard2107]

As usual some good advice in previous posts. I struggled when i started, and wherever i go from home involves at least a mile climb. Its all about sticking at it, do a bit, then do a bit more. Make minor adjustments to the bike set up until you get comfortable, but only do one thing at once. I was amazed at the difference raising the saddle by one inch made to my legs and progress in general. Don't think negative either, a 565ft climb is 565 feet higher than nothing. I don't put too much emphasis on targets, i just get out and on with it, but in 6 months my favourite climb of 1.9 miles with an elevation of about 250 feet now takes me 7 minutes on my hybrid, it used to take 11. I am 53 by the way.

Keep the faith, you will get there.

 

[Reddragon]

Thanks @howard2107 I have lifted the saddle a bit, looking at doing a rotation of 3 routes as suggested and getting on with it. I am putting today down to a bad day, having said that I did a PR on one section that has a tough hill bit in it so it can't have been all bad, just felt that way

 

[HelsBells Cambs]

I know speed and distance etc are not important and it's getting out on the bike that counts but I am getting slower and having to get off the bike more!
My first few rides, I put the bike in the car and went to the coast as it was flat and traffic free! But I don't want to rely on the car so have now been riding from home, trying to avoid the main roads as I try to build confidence on the bike. The main problem is hills, no matter which way I go there is loads and my legs are burning and I am having to get off the bike more and more and it's getting me down. Today I rode for 7.1 miles in 52 mins but had 565ft elevation and I struggled. I realise that elevation is probably piddling to most! but I am trying to get more time on the bike but my legs couldn't go for much longer today.
How did people who live in hilly areas go about increasing time in the saddle without killing their legs? I will do some routes on strava and see if I can get some fairly level circuits from home but happy to hear any advice.

That elevation is a lot to someone who lives and cycles in "flat" Fenland. Whilst having a goal and a challenge is good, and keeps us interested, the "doing" is the main thing. If you're consistently getting low about your performance you'll stop which would be a shame. If you're riding for the pleasure of it and to get fit then what does it matter if you have to stop half way up a hill?! Stop if you have to. Then the next time you'll get a little further up the hill before stopping. Try different routes, if you stick to the same one it will do your head in. And after a few rides on different routes, you'll find going back to the tough ones that you will have improved.

 

[Ian H]

Don't forget to have an 'easy' day every so often.
I got back on the bike in about 1980 after seven years off. My first ride I really struggled round a hilly 5 miles. 35 years later I'm still up to long rides. It'll come.

 

[Reddragon]

Thanks @HelsBells Cambs I started the c25k running after being inspired by an old school friend on facebook who had done it, she has cheered me on with my running progress but I am very jealous of her lack of elevation on her runs, she is in Thetford However I must admit I do enjoy the views with the hills so swings and roundabouts I guess

 

[Reddragon]

Yep @Ian H I think a trip down the hill in the car to the flat coast is in order, I must get through to my dad that he is not holding me up when we cycle together and a nice leisurely ride spending time with him is great, he is 72 on Friday!

 

[Yazzoo]

i'm impressed with your 500ft climb! I went out yesterday and did 20miles and strava said afterwards my max elevation was 24ft! and I still thought it was a big hill!

 

[Reddragon]

Another one living on the flatlands @Yazzoo I think I am going to move down that way

 

[rjb70Stoke]

Just a thought but it may be your running. The lad who I went out with on Sunday was complaining of burning just below his thigh when we did the biggest climb. Everything else was very easy for him. He's currently upping his miles running in readiness for a marathon near you next month.

Maybe the muscles used for running struggle when pedalling, especially under strain of climbing.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Another one living on the flatlands @Yazzoo I think I am going to move down that way

Don't bother, I went over N.Lincs last year, way before getting home (it was about a 65 mile ride) I was looking for motorway bridges to relieve the bordem.

 

[HelsBells Cambs]

i'm impressed with your 500ft climb! I went out yesterday and did 20miles and strava said afterwards my max elevation was 24ft! and I still thought it was a big hill!

That's a mountain round 'ere

 

[Reddragon]

Mmm, possibly @rjb70Stoke (I am certainly not running anywhere near marathon distances, 5.5k is the most so far!)
That did make me chuckle @Nigelnaturist