Climbing & Descending Tips for Cyclists
Descending Card Sound Bridge
I live in south Florida, which is just about as flat as a pancake. We have strong winds, during the winter months, which help us become stronger cyclists. But in the summertime we try to get in some bridge work, to make us stronger riders. Florida wind plus draw bridges = hill training, hey we take what we can get!
I notice when we are with new riders, they get a bit intimidated by the draw bridges, especially Blue Heron Bridge, that we have to ride over to get to Singer Island. I came up with a list of basic climbing and descending tips for cyclists for these new riders. These same tips can be used for climbing and descending hills, while you’re out riding your bike.
GENERAL TIPS FOR RIDING UPHILL
1. Lean slightly forward on your bike. One of the common problems, that occur while climbing uphill, is a loss of traction from the front wheel. By leaning slightly forward, you put more weight on the front wheel, which gives you better traction.
2. Come up off the seat and lean in towards the handlebars to climb extremely steep hills. The problem with climbing out of the saddle, is that you will quickly blow out the energy in your legs. Climbing out of the saddle should only be done for short distances and by strong riders.
I prefer to switch down to an easier gear and stay on the saddle when climbing. But my husband usually likes to climb out of the saddle, especially towards the steepest part of the climb. Climbing out of the saddle uses more energy, but will get you up and over the hill/bridge faster. Use whichever method works best for you.
3. Keep both hands firmly gripped on the handlebars while climbing. The middle of the climb is not the time to grab for your water bottle or a package of Sports Beans.
4. Start the climb in a fairly low gear that will keep your legs spinning. Trying to change gears, while in the middle of the climb, can cause your gears to grind and even slip. Been there, done that, not fun.
5. Conserve your energy while riding your bike uphill and over bridges. Trying to climb too fast will cause you to tire out too quickly. Climbing too aggressively causes lactic acid to build up in your muscles, which will make your legs feel like they are on fire. Slow but steady pedaling is the most efficient way to climb a hill.
6. Remember, you can always walk. I’ve walked over steep bridges on more than one occasion. It didn’t make me happy, but at least I was able to finish the ride.
GENERAL TIPS FOR RIDING DOWNHILL
1. Don’t keep your head pointed down while riding your bike, especially when traveling down bridges. Always look a few feet ahead of your front wheel to keep an eye out for any obstacles, such as glass, gravel or other debris, that may be coming up on the road.
2. Just after I get to the top of the bridge, I switch to a harder gear. I like to pedal down hills and bridges to help clear the lactic acid build up from my legs. Coasting downhill, without pedaling, doesn’t allow you to clear the lactic acid out of your muscles.
3. Lean back, slightly away from the handlebar, to place more weight on the back tire. On steeper hills you should slide back on the seat. On extremely steep hills, you may have to slide your butt all the way off the back of the seat. This is a technique that is commonly used by mountain bikers when riding down steep hills.
4. If you are going too fast for comfort, slightly feather the front and back brakes to slow down gradually. Sudden braking will most likely cause you to come to a sudden stop and crash. I use a bit more pressure on my back (right) brake then my front (left) brake.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
No comments yet.