This article was taken from the November 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
You don't have to be a professional rider to cycle up steep gradients, as Olympian and Tour de France competitor Adrian Timmis explains.
Ain't no mountain high enough to stop you...
1. Adjust your approach "If it's a short, steep climb, attack it at speed rather than rolling into it and coming to a stop," says Timmis. "If it's a long, steady one, get into a rhythm as soon as possible." Plan, and don't over-exert yourself at the base, otherwise "you'll leave yourself with a long way to go".
2. Listen to your heart The simplest way to measure exertion is to use a heart-rate monitor, but Timmis also recommends fixing a power meter to your handlebars to monitor output. "If you're in the red [on the monitor] in the first kilometre of a 5k climb then you're in trouble."
3. Sit tight Stay in your saddle. "If it's a steady climb, stay seated as much as possible," advises Timmis. "When a lot of people get to a climb, rather than change down a gear and pedal in the saddle they'll get out of the saddle. This is a best avoided until it's simply too steep to sit."
4. Pedal to the mettle Pedalling strokes should vary by terrain. "Practise staying seated so you're pulling up the pedal, scraping through the bottom and pushing over the top again," says Timmis.
True mountain-conquerors "pedal through the bottom of the stroke and the top to keep traction".
5. Stay strong The road may be hard but it's best to face your fears: don't be afraid to look ahead. "It's just survival," Timmis admits. "Get into a rhythm and get through the day, but you've also got to think about the finish to make sure you don't ride harder than you need to."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
