3 HUGE Mistakes That Will Stop You From Getting Up Climbs

[@redeagle999]

The best thing I ever did for myself was to be quite okay with having to stop! Leonard, your videos about climbing was the best advice on the topic. Made a lot of difference for me!

[@gearmonger8616]

Leonard - you are an everyman's cycling hero. Appreciate your posts and candor. Keep riding and calmly talking.

[@steveallison3751]

I'm a 58 year old 120Kg lump. I have recently started cycling having not sat on a bike for 36 years. Your videos have been an inspiration to me. I'm now climbing much better and slowly increasing the distance of my rides. I was defeated on a hill yesterday, having made it three quarters of the way up but that, I think, was because I lost confidence and thought, "I can't do this." I have even thought of starting my own channel for older people that think they may be too old to ride.

[@sipapito]

How tall are you?Im 59 and I’m mad because I weigh 74 kilo and still have a belly @ 170cm high.

[@steveallison3751]

@@sipapito I'm 185cm tall. I will say though, whilst I feel a lot fitter, I have lost very little weight since I started riding.

[@sipapito]

@@steveallison3751 Good for you ,I follow a Keto diet and just drink water to help me with the hunger, keep riding and I know we will soon lose the weight we want. ride safe🤜🏻

[@glennoc8585]

@@steveallison3751 remember weight loss is 70% diet 30%. I lost weight from mostly diet change but my aerobic exercises have definitely helped. Cycling has also added muscle weight over the years so if you also lose weight you know you're doing something right.

[@steveallison3751]

@@glennoc8585 To be honest, I didn't start riding to lose weight, I just wanted to improve my fitness and general health not to mention having a bit of fun. It would be nice to have a few kilos less weight to drag up hills but it wasn't my primary motivation.

[@elmerrichardson6413]

I live in a hilly area, so I can't really ride without climbing. My group routinely has climbs on their routes. I have found if you do zone 2 training on regular basis, climbing becomes easier, due to fitness adaptations. Try 3-4 weeks of zone 2 training and you will notice the difference on the climbs. PS: On 8/6/2022 I'm doing a ride, 95 miles with 8700 ft of climbing. Ride on.

[@BrianRPaterson]

My dad once beat me up a 26 kilometre climb on a gravel road in North Vietnam, with full panniers! I was 33. Dad was 60. Grit and determination make all the difference.

[@The4Crawler]

One thing I try to do on harder climbs is to sync my breathing with my pedaling. At the slowest cadence, I'll breathe in on the right leg, breathe out on the left. Or for higher cadence, every other pedal stroke, breathe in on the right, then out on the next right and in on the 3rd right. Then I may mix that up and sync to the left leg for a while. I find this works well as I am focusing on breathing and that takes my mind off the pedaling and constantly looking that the cadence display.

[@da14a49]

I find it hard to get into the rhythm sometimes, some method like this might help

[@JFomo]

Interesting, i might try that tomorrow

[@TimpBizkit]

I did a race up stairs in a tall building in London and I was taking 1 breath per second every 2 stairs, so gaining about 13-14 inches of height on a breath, 3-4 breaths a Calorie. For someone in the 85kg weight range, climbing about 7 stairs (4 vertical feet) uses a Calorie.

[@harimathur2191]

Yup. Best advice. No metrics HR etc. Just listen to your heart pounding (or not), listen to the rhythm of your lungs. Your body signals are your better metrics. Breathe in L pedal stroke; Breathe out R pedal stroke.

[@markmccarty1275]

For me, winning the mental game is where it's at. I live in the driftless area of Wisconsin and it's not hard to go out and find a few of these nasty little bugger climbs. A couple on my routes I actually dread going up for the first time each year. In my mind, like a boogey man, I build them up to be bigger and scarier than they really are. The day that I slay one of them gives me the confidence to go out and find others. It makes me feel invincible - until of course, next spring and the cycle starts over.

[@BrianRPaterson]

Spot on. My dad always said "Hills build character!" He knew what he was talking about. In the late 1950s, he and his pals used to ride around the highlands of Scotland on 10-speed touring bikes, with toe-clips no less! Those guys had character to spare. Live long and keep pedalling.

[@PumpkinVillage]

Good points. Positive thinking is the way to go. Slow and steady for me. Thanks for the video and take care, Al

[@jollygoodvelo]

Positive thoughts count for a lot.

[@rollandjoeseph]

Positive thinking definitely works!😉

[@randyeller8139]

I like how you put the last bit, that it isn’t a failure it’s a benchmark for next time. Hadn’t thought about it that way but you’re right.

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s definitely something to aim for

[@Mosely2007]

Climbing is work for most. Well done..I banished words like can't, won't etc. Achieving your goal is satisfying. Go Leonard go!

[@jollygoodvelo]

That’s a good idea.

[@tonydean2541]

Alternating between standing and sitting is a great help too, just got to make sure you change gear accordingly.

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s surprising how much higher a gear you need when standing.

[@tonydean2541]

@@jollygoodvelo Yes, i have to agree, it really is surprising, but once youve got the hang of it its a great help i think.

[@Benno828282]

Problem is I find my power spikes out the saddle quite a bit, so I need to be sure I don't blow up doing 400 watts for too long.

[@paulmullins4676]

I am always amazed that when I have to take a break on a climb if I stop and rest a minute or two how easy it is climbing after the rest. What was dreadfully hard the last few feet is easy peasy on restarting.😜

[@yakoridesagain]

This is what you are best at, Leonard. Explaining how to overcome cycling fears. Inspirational. Kudos.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Gareth

[@philloosehead8335]

Great advice Leonard, I’m 68 and regularly get up steep climbs in Ironbridge and Shropshire it’s all in the mind.

[@jollygoodvelo]

The last time I had to get off and walk was on a climb near Ludlow.

[@NH-il6uc]

No shame in stopping, resting, getting your breath and heart rate under control, then getting back after it.

[@Timinator257]

Getting a good quality HR monitor was a game changer for me

[@NH-il6uc]

@@Timinator257 me too. I mountain bike and gravel bike (I live in an area where people in cars seem to gate people on bikes so it’s just too dangerous). Since I’m rarely on pavement I often find myself on very steep climbs that spike my heart rate as if I was still in my youth playing soccer. Having the heart rate monitor is a great way to see when things are getting out of control.

[@apolloniusbeitsman5444]

Isn't wattage more important than heart rate?

[@ggg4w.153]

Thanks for posting this. The timing is perfect. I too am a heavier/older cyclist. I am quite slow on the hills and it gets discouraging. I generally try to follow exactly what you are saying here. The reinforcement of these factors is good to hear. I also noticed that I tend to tense up on climbs. I do much better if I can remember to keep my muscles more relaxed, but I have to really concentrate on that to make it happen. Thanks again. Ride on!!

[@ormsk954]

A 17% hill on a fully loaded tour bike is quite a challenge. There is plenty like that in Cumbria for example. Sometimes a little pushing is just sensible if you still have 50 miles to do that day. Day trips on light road bikes are obviously less problematic.

[@amandawong7005]

Good to see I’m not alone with the wiggling back and forth during a climb and breathing hard thru my mouth. I need to know that!

[@keithoconnor5237]

Sound advice Leonard

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks.

[@colin4406]

I did the London to Brighton charity bike ride last Sunday. Climbing Ditchling Beacon after 45 miles is quite a challenge. I think a long climb is a huge test mentally as well as physically. I'm quite chuffed that I made it, lot's didn't.

[@emmabird9745]

Hi. Where I live at the top of the hill means whereever I go its a stiff climb to get home. My choices are 1:6, 1:7, 1:6, 1:10, 1:5 etc. I used to manage the 1:6 about 50% of the time, 1:5 not at all and the rest reliably even after 60-70 miles. Now they're all too stiff if I have any sort of ride before getting to them. With the big 70 looming I find the speed I can pedal is too slow for balance so some walking is, it seems inevitable but better than giving up riding.

[@glennoc8585]

Have you tried a bigger cassette? If I'm still able to ride at 70 I'll probably be on an ebike.

[@emmabird9745]

@@glennoc8585 Hi Glenn, My largest sproket is 40T, wheels 26", smallest chain ring 24T ossemetric. I fitted the ossemetric (24,32,42) about 3 years ago and it is great. Getting the changing takes more thought (only use smallest in the larger half of cassette) but it usually changes well and has given me a bit more climbability but it was the covid break which has hurt most.

[@vernefits1953]

Great video

[@christophaustria4775]

Hi Leonard, I happen to have planned a 160kilometer ride for 2morrow. Gotta work in Klagenfurt tomorrow morning, where a colleague of mine and I will go to by car.., For the afternoon and evening i intend to ride back to Graz on my Gravelbike as soon as my job is hopefully done around noon. It is not so much the distance which makes me nervous, it is the 1300 meters of climbing I will have to expect along the route. Funny thing is that I am looking 4ward to tomorrow's ride but that I also feel a little anxious about it at the same time. Therefore your video just comes at the very right moment. I will definitely take your advice and will not go too fast but will keep my pace low and will try to burn the candle cautiously. Once again a very very motivating video of yours. Thank you 4 keeping them coming!! Liebe Grüße aus Graz, Christoph

[@jollygoodvelo]

Best of luck tomorrow, Christoph. It’s good to be a little nervous; it keeps us on our toes.

[@christophaustria4775]

@@jollygoodvelo thank u very much, my unknown friend 👍👌. I have experienced it some times, that the rides that make us a little uneasy the day before then often turn out to be the good and memorable ones. However, I can not quit anymore anyway. I already showed off with 2morrow's ride among all my workmates 😜😎🤣. Hence no escape left. Guess I will really have to do the fucking trip. 😂😂😂

[@3521rob]

I believe the quote was Henry Ford. If you know the climb it really helps! The other thing I stopped doing on long steep hills is peddling fast to obtain momentum up the other side. This can work however it can be detrimental putting unnecessary power prior to needing it. The speed soon disappears along with your energy. Pacing is the key .

[@jollygoodvelo]

I had a feeling it was Henry Ford.

[@whazzat8015]

@@jollygoodvelo When Henry Ford was making cars, he had a stop for tea. For that approach to enterprise has had appeal to me. And I approve of choice of gear, as cup holders appear. And I endorse you choice to breath, unless all life should try to leave Though I'm confused as how you paste yourself together without beer.

[@joecarty8579]

The big issue with most bikes is gearing, they appear to have been designed for flatter terrain. The first mod I did to my bike was to replace the rear sprocket and hanger and switch to a 34 tooth. That’s the difference between grinding and spinning on a hard climb.

[@franco992]

Looking back on Strava, my weight is the biggest factor on hills. When I’m heavier, I’m so much slower. I’ve probably dropped down a gear or two and the speed has fallen away and the time taken increases. It’s a mix of weight, leg strength and cardiovascular fitness. Thankfully, all can be improved by riding more!

[@davehollingworth5537]

The candle/sparkler analogy is good 👍. And so is your constant reference to the ‘bank of fitness’ - so everything is beneficial: even if one doesn’t quite make it to the top of a climb today, there’s a better chance next time. Thanks.

[@TheRongy]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!🚴‍♂️

[@StayZero556]

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” I’m not sure who said it first but the first person I remember saying it was Diamond Dallas Page when I started doing the DDP Yoga program and it’s something that really stuck with me in my journey to get fit.

[@johnflynn4923]

For me (and from what I've seen with many others) success is 60% in the head, 30% in the fitness and 10% in the bike. On good days I have flown past guys on top level 10-12K bikes on my AliExpress special and on bad days I have been passed by guys on 200quid facebook marketplace beater bikes. Mindset coupled with attention to physiology is 90% of the game.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Totally agree.

[@matosbruno6522]

Trying to control the intake of daily calories might help to keep our weight down and the climbs will become much easyer, it worked for me!!!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Yes, power to weight is important.

[@Thefishyveteran]

I like the candle and sparkler I was pretty much the sparkler now a focus on the candle and the last couple of rides way more enjoyable. Very good advise💪

[@derekrobertson7912]

thanks for your help.and it does help.

[@philiphookham8135]

Hi Leonard, I ended up walking up Winnats Pass last year (20% gradient) so I have unfinished business there! Next time I'll fit a bigger cassette and pace it better.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I understand Winnats Pass is very tough. Well done for even attempting it.

[@africamike]

Hi Leonard, once again a fantastic quality video, as always. There is tons of cycling content on YT but of all the channels out there this one is by far the best - talking to Joe Average - but probably secretly watched by the racing snakes too :-) Great content, great quality and if I ever find myself in your neck of the woods I'll love to take a ride on those roads. Keep them coming! Cheers from South Africa :-))

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Mike. I will make it SA myself sometime. I really want to ride the Cap Argus.

[@africamike]

@@jollygoodvelo Good choice around the scenic Cape - I'll be there on 12 March 2023. Entries open sometime in October. I'm afraid you'll have to do red wine instead of tea and cake :-)

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@africamike Hope to see you there. I rather like red wine too so that’s very handy.

[@richardtighe671]

Excellent advice as usual Leonard.👍🚴‍♀️

[@TimpBizkit]

For conquering a hill at maximum power, P = test power, R = test cadence in Hz, M = mass of bike and rider, g = 9.8, S = gradient expressed as a ratio (it will actually be the vertical elevation divided by the road length, rather than vertical/horizontal displacement but the numbers are fairly close. Optimum gear (rollout metres) G = P/(RMgS) 100kg bike and rider, 300 watts at 90 rpm (1.5 Hz) 10% hill G = 300/(100 x 1.5 x 9.8 x 0.1), optimum rollout = 2.04 metres rollout - close to a 1:1 gear ratio, forward velocity 3.06 m/s 70kg Tour de France bike and rider, power = 450 watts at 105 rpm 15% hill G = 450/(100 x 1.75 x 9.8 x 0.15) = 2.5 metres rollout, forward velocity 4.37 m/s Bear in mind road wheels have a circumference of 2.1 metres give or take. Compact crank gears are 50,34 the first person will want a 35 cassette, the second a 29 cassette. That or change the chainring sizes to MTB triple. If you want to noodle up climbs you need lower gears or slower cadence but the force won't decrease (although this is rarely a problem for the torque levels during FTP tests).

[@jollygoodvelo]

Blimey that is very technical.

[@stephencharles6932]

Really good advice and in comments also. Plus I was told sit up high to expand chest & lung capacity whilst relaxing (haha). Also I know first time climbs are always the toughest for that climb. The unknown ahead is scary. So it gets easier and easier each time you do it, just knowing what is ahead, that you did it before, gives you that mental edge. Then it becomes so satisfying going past the places you remember stopping before, gasping like a fish out of water & this time pushing on at speed. Wonderful feeling.

[@justinbartley5245]

I'm more from a runners background but the situation is very similar,the lighter/fitter i get,the easier hills become & vice versa, bodyweight is the main aspect no doubt about it pal💯

[@A_AAA232]

great advice as always Leonard - I reckon my huge mistake is not getting an ebike for the hills! seriously though, as you said, if hills are tough, just set a new benchmark for the next time and enjoy the rest of the ride :)

[@jollygoodvelo]

You do pretty well on your regular bike!

[@A_AAA232]

@@jollygoodvelo cheers Leonard, it's knowing that there is a cup of tea and chocolate biscuits afterwards that pushes me! it is nice passing some of the old benchmark points on the hills too :)

[@AB-kg6rk]

Thanks for being an inspiration my brother in chunky-ness 🙂😎

[@PistachioFilmsLLC]

Had to watch this one because the thumbnail was so hilarious!, that was me!!! lying on the ground after doing several of the short (1-5 miles) really steep (avg of 5% maxes of 12 -20%) climbs around here. Having to stop several times on the way up, pacing myself, but first times being benchmark, then just trying to have to stop or walk less on the next rides up them. One short loop i do has steep climb that's about 3 minutes of climbing (pacing), last year when i started riding again had to stop 2 or 3 times on the climb, last week rode the loop and the climb 5 times in one ride without having to stop on the climb once. pacing and just keeping riding. I do laps on a couple of these loops now, and lap until i run out of gears. Drew.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think we have all been in that situation. Doing loops on a climb is a great way of getting better at it. It’s very often that the second ascent is a bit easier once you know what you are letting yourself in for.

[@terrycorkum]

Doing too many squats the day before. Atleast that happend to me yesterday. Brutal.

[@erlendsteren9466]

I did cross a hill on Sunday , without walking the bike. Last year I crossed that hill and had to walk the bike several times. I think the differencse where two things, I am slightly more fit and I had been going the hour before the climbs and so far into the climbs as I could in zone 2 controlled pace. So slow that I could have been talking easily when pedaling. Therefore my legs where reasonably fresh. I used a pulsewatch to help me stay on ther right pulse.

[@sanoroo]

Excellent instruction. Nice haircut.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Gordon. Di did it for me!

[@sanoroo]

@@jollygoodvelo Sandy cuts my hair. Admittedly her challenge is not much of a challenge.

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

I currently live and ride in a city with basically no hills. But when I was much MUCH younger, I would regularly ride my 26 inch, single speed girls bike to a local drugstore for magazines and the like. There was a long, very windy road with a pretty good grade (although I had no idea how steep it actually was). The descent to the store was glorious fun but the ride back up was.....not. 😏🙄 I walked up the last half of that hill more times than I care to admit. But every time I rode that hill back home, I got closer to the top (before having to walk) than I did the time before. Eventually I was able to ride my bike all the way back up, and wow was I proud of myself. 😁

[@jollygoodvelo]

Great that you never let that hill beat you.

[@ronniebiggs4026]

Great explanation thanks 👌I am a newby aged 65 and bought the bike due to being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes although I haven’t rode for thirty years plus I am getting into it and between the bike and cutting out carbs I have dropped 2 stone . I was out on Sunday pretty flat run but a breezy wind I have a steady pace but on a very long road with gradient I ended up in bottom gear peddling but not really making massive progress.( is this normal for a newby?) cheers and keep up your valuable work 👍👍

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sounds to me like you are doing great. Using lower gears, especially on the flat will feel like you are getting nowhere fast so just try changing up a couple of gears and pedal slower.

[@nickrobinson9280]

Great video Leonard. Have you got any views on standing up on the bike when climbing. There are a lot of different schools of though about when or whether to do it. I find that on short, steepish climbs less than 500m I can stand up and push a big gear at about 55rpm and just about make it to the top. If I do it on a long climb I'm toast about half way up and have to revert to desperate spinning!

[@jollygoodvelo]

I usually do it as a posture break on longer climbs. It helps to change into a higher gear when you do it, though.

[@dadschannel2453]

good for posture and blood circulation round yer nadgers and will bring relief to muscles youve been straining...

[@InspiredITALY]

We 💕 climbs! And let's be clear, it is your advice that made me the climber that I am.... 🥰!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Really?? I never knew that. I know you like climbs, though.

[@hansdegroot8549]

I especially struggle with one climb (12+%) . It's rather far from home (18 km) with the 7-8 before false flat (3%) with some steeper sections. For that reason I do this climb only 1 or 2 times per year, mostly in the summer months (end of June till end of August). Before that time I need to gain muscle strength, climbing kilometres on other hills and losing some weight. Sometimes I get up in one time, sometimes in two or three (short breaks). I always need my lowest gear and the full width of the road (3 or 4 metres max), which can be a problem when cars appear (for that reason I do this particular ride only on Sunday before noon) But I feel that my performance depends on a lot of circumstances. In general, benchmarks are nice. But after a certain age it is not very likely to improve it anymore (or I should massively loose weight) My bicycle is a Merida (no-name in fact), 28" and with a gearing of 48. - 38 - 28 in front and 11-13 -15 -18 - 21 -24 - 28 - 32 at the rear wheel, Should I change something? (I don't want an E-bike yet)

[@rollandjoeseph]

I have a few brutal climbs in my neighborhood that I'm getting better at but still get myself in a pickle not getting the gears correct and before you know it I'm clicking away like an amateur trying to save my ass..lol..btw, how do you find out the incline percentage of a hill? I use a Wahoo Element with Strava, thx!

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s a field you can select on most cycling computers.

[@idiotmobil7568]

👍nice video.for us amateurs its not important how much you rest,how fast you go,how fancy your bike is ...best thing is a 🍺 after in local pub😉

[@Roq-stone]

I like the Tees. I think I’m going to get two of them. Both colours.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Albert. It really helps to support the channel. I appreciate it.

[@moraydavidson]

I often use ‘piano hands’ when climbing. Hands pretty much resting on top bar with fingers out (as if playing the piano). As fingers tighten, and especially to point of gripping that top tube, then a drop on gears is required. Obviously move hands to hoods if feel like getting out of saddle!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Anything you can do like will help you save valuable energy.

[@moraydavidson]

Indeed. Plenty of climbing round here in Perthshire 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿! Enjoy your films 👏 🚲

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

Having said that I agreed with the professional explanations of difficult concepts, riding every day getting in the habit of thinking of what was said, and being fit in front of an unexpected stiff climb are tremendous assets that will bring one to the top without dismounting. Bottom line: place miles in the bank of fitness to succeed in unexpected climbs. Thank you, Leonard.

[@cathalkenneally1614]

While riding a sportive in May I came across a climb that was 13.5% but it was long so it wasn’t as hard as some of the climbs I’ve tried. They are normally 6.5% but they are short and some wind around forever. There’s one climb outside Rickmansworth that’s 9.1% and it winds around as well. On Strava it’s known as Too Steep For Me. I have tried it once and I had cars behind beeping because it’s not a bike friendly road. I had to stop two thirds of the way up and start riding again at the top. On the way into Rickmansworth there’s a sign warning cars to use low because of the descent and for people on a bike, you meet a roundabout just after descending. Not fun if you’re not familiar with the area.

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

Another big mistake is not knowing how long and high a climb is. If you are in the middle of a climb and start thinking about it should end after the next turn and you find out it's not, it starts to be painful. I found it's much easier if you know there a several km following than riding from turn to turn without knowing how long rest of the climb will be.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Totally agree. I find that the climb profile feature on my Karoo really helpful with this.

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

@@jollygoodvelo We have a lot small helper on the bike today. My Garmin has this too but the selection what to declare a climb and where it starts and ends is a bit strange. Years ago you had to careful measure the map. I bought an altimeter-watch to at least know the Altitude because most maps have the precise altitude but not the precise distance to the pass. It helps a lot knowing that there are 200m of altitude to climb, even if you don't know the distance. Hard to say if it's easier to have 4km with 5% or 2km with 10%.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@Ulrich.Bierwisch That’s a great way to do it as well.

[@Benno828282]

I do the same with meters gained, so if I know the climb is 1100m and it appears I'm near the top at 600m.. I don't push too hard to finish. It's funny how deceiving it can be, some climbs like to loop the top over and over haha.

[@gavinneale6651]

Hi, what gear ratio did you or you would suggest for Italy thanks

[@jollygoodvelo]

I used a compact chain set with 50/34 on the front and 11/28 on the back.

[@sipapito]

@08:36 did you do that claim twice to get camera?

[@jollygoodvelo]

I did.

[@davidburgess741]

I might add, shift into the small ring early so the chain doesn't come off at a steeper pitch! I like the standpoint that next time you can try to get farther up. There's no cyclist who ever succeeded every time!

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

I'm a mtb rider and prefer enjoy 🙂bridleway climbs , I generally hear and feel my heart pounding to tell me when I've maxed out 🤣. But yes for me pacing is the key combined with breathing. Once my breathing goes past a certain exertion level I know my heart rate is up there too . So as a rule on unknown hills I like to start easy , and always remind my self to keep 10 percent for the end or an unexpected gradient uptick or rock tree route challenge . Despite all that some hills just beat me and now over 50 I realise if I can walk faster than my bike and I'm cooked its time to walk 😃 i do love cycling up hills gives me a great sense of joy achievement 👍😃

[@weeringjohnny]

Yeah, Italy has got some killer steep climbs. Believe me, I've lived and cycled here for 40 years.

[@da14a49]

I am very skinny yet find I can only climb in my easiest gear on anything above 10%. I would dread being 20-30 kg heavier on the same climbs!

[@davidburgess741]

Probably slow slow on the flats!

[@mancello]

If you have a low enough gear you can climb up most gradients. The problem with most modern road bikes is they are often geared too high even with a compact chainset especially for older cyclists. If you're bikepacking then you'll really appreciate lower gears on climbs.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Low gearing is key but when one is gravitationally challenged it’s easy to run out.

[@angelaflinn2988]

That quote was from Henry Ford

[@glennoc8585]

Never overdo it up a hill it's best to stop have a drink let bpm drop, especially in hot weather . Most underlying health issues manifest under high intensity activity so if you're getting on ride with others and get your cardio health checked. A friend just had a heart attack on a hill on a bunch ride. Mid 50s, 200 kmh a week rider. No mates he would be gone. It's uncommon but best not to overdo it especially if new to the sport.

[@lb7325]

Excellent as usual Leo. A while back you did a vid on Velominati Rules. One of the authors is my good friend John (aka Gianni). Here's a video of Frank's Haleakala climb. Skip to 7:30 for the celebration at the end. Notice no lifting of bike. Gianni is the one asking him, "Are you happy now?". He was always a treat to do hard climbs with(Mt. Washington, New Hampshire; I DNF). Haleakala: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYCcpmWCer5gd9U

[@NickSmith-hv9zi]

The wheel reflectors were the problem. Lose them and you will be much faster :)

[@Rockinbiker1946]

One tip when riding with another person or persons, don't try to climb at their pace either faster or slower. Just stay within your cadence.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Definitely. Trying to keep up with others that are faster is a sure way to make it much harder for yourself. It can help increase your own speed, though.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

The biggest mistake a cyclist makes when climbing a hill is:- Being over confident and too determined to ride to the top. There is a famous piece of movie of Eddy Merckx carrying his bike up the Koppenburg. Being the ultimate professional, he decided trotting would be less of a struggle than straining on the pedals and straps. Making the decision where to jump off is learned by experience. The physics says one expends the same energy lifting you and your bike from bottom to top. The rate of exertion ( riding faster or slower ) is what determines the mode of forward motion. Merckx was on a 19lb ( 8.5kg ) bike with a 42 x 21 gear.

[@Timinator257]

The stoics recommend only judging yourself against yourself yesterday.

[@clairemyers3802]

I like to shout "shut up legs" Jens Voigt 😁👍

[@jollygoodvelo]

Don’t we all. Shame mine are deaf!!!!!

[@davesimmons8640]

Climbing sucks. It's hard. Tiring. Often exhausting. Now that we've gotten that out of the way .... I tell myself it's OK to go slow, and simply grind away as long as I can. As I said, climbing is hard. And that's OK. My hardest climb every day is my climb out of bed. Oh, and those on the ride.

[@da14a49]

Thumbnail made me click that 0.1 second faster

[@roadsscholar4012]

Henry Ford. He is the one who said If you think you can do something, or you can't, either way you are right.

[@paulbradford6475]

The quote is attributed to Henry Ford.

[@Century_Rider]

Don't grip your bars hard when you're climbing. Relax your hands and arms. Holding the bars hard tightens your arms and the muscles across your chest and restricts your breathing.

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s surprising how much energy you can save doing this.

[@doctorpc4x4]

I'm one of them ones who lives in a fairly flat area so I dint really have climbs so I suck at them. I sound a lot like a steam train when I climb, and unfortunatly I am a grinder not a spinner

[@markusmencke8059]

That „can‘t or can“ sounds a bit Yoda… „There is no try.“

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’ve heard that one too.

[@AdeboFunkyVoodoo]

My three are: 1. I plan to ride up a climb. 2. I put my kit on. 3. I get on my bike and ride to the climb. 100% failure rate!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Blimey!

[@reidwagner1508]

Breathing and cadence? For sure that’s true. I have my own cadence and breathing pace. Pacing=for me how hard I’m breathing. That affects how fast i do an ascent.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Great training for building the muscles required. Find a multi storey car park and carry your bike up the stairs.

[@ALEX73BY]

PREPARE THE CLIMB! - Do not start at noon with temperatures 35°+ - Start as early as the sun rises. It will be much cooler and the streets are empty. - Check the route by car the evening before. Look where you can fill bottles, where you can rest. Is the road closed (switch to another hill!)? This gives you no quarentee you will make it but your chances will be much higher...

[@secretagent86]

you neglected that gearing must match the challenge... there is one mountain here i MIGHT be able to take on a mountain bike after i lose 30 pounds. it is just ridiculous. also on my triple chainring light carbon fibre bike with 30-28 there is a local hill about 20 percent gradient, and every try so far i walk up the last 1/3 rd. it is about 500 m. 6 percent grades i can do all day (slowly)

[@joynthis]

It aint complicated. Low enough gears to spin (even if you have to change out hardware), careful coming back down.

[@rangersmith4652]

The most egregious mistake that guarantees you won't get to the top of a climb: not trying.

[@kevelliott]

I'm 6'1", 70 kg and long legged. I love climbs! But I'm 68. Boy do I wish I'd taken up serious cycling 50 years ago!

[@garrycox9089]

im 6'5,113 kg and 69 gravity hates me and of cause headwinds lol

[@tonyg3091]

Climbing sucks, simple as... The road starts pointing up, I start cursing... But you have to do it. More climbing translates to more speed on the flats afterwards.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Change your attitude, change your results!

[@johnmartin4650]

A unisex mug…….? You could get into trouble with that sort of thing…..??!!?

[@Roq-stone]

Climbing tests the mettle of the man 😁. It’s when I get stoned on cycling. Peace out. Ride until death.

[@jollygoodvelo]

If I knew what stoned was I would probably agree!! (I’m just pretending I don’t know)

[@johnmartin4650]

I wish I hadn’t said the mug thing……please forgive…

[@jollygoodvelo]

Not sure I even understood it!!

[@mikicastan]

Your weight obviously

[@jollygoodvelo]

I get up the climbs, thank you.