How to Cycle Uphill

So you want to get exercise riding a bike. But after you tackle that first hill, you're likely to become discouraged and may even look to other ways to get your exercise. There are 3 factors at play when you take a hill on a bike. Let's look into them and try to find a way to make biking more enjoyable.

Things You'll Need

• Bicycle

Instructions

1. First, strength is involved. This is either genetic or you acquire it through training. You'll find that the more time you spend going uphill on a bicycle, the easier it becomes. Start slowly by navigating small inclines, and if you tire, stop for a moment. Gradually increase the size of the hill and the amount of time between rests. Soon, hills will no longer pose such a big problem.

2. Do not overlook the importance of gears, because it can make a huge difference. If your bike's gearing is not matched to your strength or the size of the hills you ordinarily climb, you have a problem that can only be solved by having the gears adjusted or by purchasing a bicycle more suitable to you.

3. For most hills, the more appropriate the strategy you use, the easier it will be to climb it on your bicycle. Fundamentally, there are 3 types of hills that you'll face: a single hill, a succession of hills or a mountain. Each one has its own strategy to make your climb simpler.

4. A single hill. You're biking along on the straight-away, and all of a sudden you are faced with a change in topography. A quick assessment of the hill will help you decide on your strategy. In most cases, you'll want to build up your speed before taking the hill. You will learn when to begin this through experience. Ideally, you will be going at a sufficient speed by the time you reach the hill to power your way over it after having expended the least amount of energy.

5. A succession of hills. To the uninitiated biker, this might seem impossible, but it can actually be easier than you think. By simply building up speed on the downhill side of the first hill to make the second hill easier to climb, you will be creating a roller coaster effect that will make this task manageable. If you do the same thing before each successive hill, you will conserve energy and you will enjoy your ride.

6. Mountains. There is nothing more beautiful than the scenic views provided bikers by mountains on a clear day. And you will add to your enjoyment if you set aside the fear of taking such a trip on your bicycle. If you take steps to keep from overheating or letting your heart-rate climb to dangerous levels, you will look forward to your next mountain ride. Simply make sure that you have sufficient food and liquid, and that you take frequent biking breaks to see the scenic beauty, and you will understand why mountain biking is so popular.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any doubts about your fitness to engage in biking, talk with your doctor. Not everyone is suited to the rigors of the sport, and may be better off doing something else.