Many Things Can Be Said About Improving Your Individual Skills Of Climbing Rolling, Moderate, And Severe Hills. If Nothing Else Works, The Method Of

"Look But Don't Stare"

Should Be Applied.

To be a well-rounded cyclist, you must be able to do many things well. For example, ride the pace-line in the low to mid 20s, sprint, descend, climb, cornering, and keeping your line while riding in a tight pack. However, of all the skills to be maneuvered, climbing seems to be the one that always stand out the most. Some of the complaints range from, "It hurts too much," to "I'm too heavy to climb well." Nevertheless, climbing is an art that is best constructed by the cyclist in the saddle. In other words, you the cyclist must create your own means of climbing by establishing certain nuances that will work best for you. For example, some cyclist climb in low gears, while some climb in high gears. Some climb with music while some climb with the sound of their breathing. Whatever the case, you the cyclist must establish the rhythm that will take you over the top.  

 

Despite whatever nuances you may put in place, there are certain fundamentals that must be practiced. For example, whatever gear you plan on starting out with on the climb, you need to be in it before you get to the hill. Trying to shift while on the hill could be disasterous. In fact, it is the one time when excessive pressure is applied to the chain which makes them more susceptable to breakage. Keeping your upper body still is also a good idea. When climbing a hill, you need to hornest all the energy your body can produce. Unnecessary movements is just wasted energy which is not good for anyone. Keeping your legs together and your arm in helps with aerodynamics. When we mention keeping your legs together it means at the top of your pedal stroke, your knees should not be projecting outwards, they should be pointing just above your top bar. Your elbows should be pointed in towards your body.

 

When climbing, size does matter. As a result, don't focus on speed, focus on efficiency. The cyclist that weighs 140lbs most likely will get over a lot faster than the cyclist that weighs 190lbs. Place your attention and effort in climbing as comfortably as possible and speed will take care of itself.

 

In all that we have mentioned, your visual depiction of the hill plays the most integral part in your mental approach to being successful over a climb. Many cyclists deprive themselves of their own strength and determination by gazing at a hill too long and get psyched out. From that point, the mind starts to wonder and slip into doubt and before you know it, you are dismounting. Don't let this happen to you. To overcome this issue, "Look But Don't Stare." Hills at times are visually intimidating, especially on approach. They at times look a lot worse than they are. As a result, a quick glance is all you need and this glance is for you to referrence what gear you should be getting ready to shift into. On the other hand, if you stare, you put yourself at great psychological risk of a term we like to call "Cognitive Dissonance." Cognitive Dissonance is the concept by which you convince yourself with valid reasons that you cannot do something. You really want to stay away from this monster; it could really do you in.

 

No matter how poor of a climber you think you are, stay positive and keep a sound, efficient, steady, confident, and rhythmic approach when climbing.  

 

Team GP Sports Cycling & Fitness wants you to ride at your "Highest Potential." As a result, your fitness and safety is of high importance to us. Exercise all necessary precautions while cycling.