Uphill or Distance

[Frozen208]

Alright guys/gals, I am trying to get in better shape so I can hang with you all on the trails better. When I can't go out and just need a quick fix I usually hop on the bike and ride uphill.

Now my question is, is it better to go uphill a shorter distance(pretty steep street I think I figured it out to about a 3-4% grade) or is it better to go longer distances with little climbing, all on street?

 

[Pain Freak]

One is not necessarily better then the other. You need both if you want to get faster. But if you want to get there faster I'd lean more on distance with intervals mixed in. You're only going to improve by how much effort you put into it. But remember to take easy days and rest days, these are as important as the fast hard days.

 

[LBmtb]

Mike hit the nail on the head. Longer distance will help more on your aerobic ability and shorter steeper rides will be better for your anaerobic (power) ability. Like Mike said, you really need both to become a faster biker. Traditionally people build their aerobic system before the anaerobic though . . .

 

[Von-Skipp]

I would say dont worry about it and have fun. If your going to climb make sure it pays off with a good downhill. Downhill and handling are important and can prevent falls and injury.

Mix up your rides and have a gooooood time.

Von-Skipp

 

[dstepper]

I love to climb, except when I am doing it. I find myself wondering half way up Mathis or Meadows... "this is not fun, what am I doing this for"... but I go back and do it again and again.

Dean

 

[gurp13]

Hey Fro, I was in your boat many months ago, so maybe my experience will help you.

I made a commitment to riding at least 3 times a week. First, I rode about three miles, all road, mostly uphill one way. Then, I increased it to 4.5 miles uphill one way (note: this mileage is one way). Then, I added more mileage. I was always pushing myself to ride a little bit faster. I had ridden with Epic Mountain Biker and I knew I had to push it if I didn't want to be a total burden to ride with. So, I would ride a regular route and see if I was doing it faster. Then, I increased the mileage. I got to where I was doing about 12-14 miles in an hour (again, all road). I would then try to mix in the trail rides on the weekends.

I'm still slow, but I'm faster than I was. And, stronger. I can handle climbs better. I huff and puff but my breathing recovers faster now, too. I can keep going where I used to have to quit. But, I'm far from being as strong as I want to be. Epic, Dirttorpedo, Pain Freak, they all still wipe the floor with me if they want. So, I gotta keep riding.

Bottom line, consistency. I didn't really start improving until I rode regularly, about three times a week. And, if it doesn't feel like you're gonna die, then you're not getting better.

I read a great book called "Ultramarathon Man" by Dean Karnazes which has given me a little inspiration, too. I think it's ShinKen that has the sig that reads something about pain being the weakness leaving your body, which Dean says. You might check it out. The paperback has a section on nutrition which I found informative. The website has a little information, but the book is better.

 

[i am dino]

Mix it up and don't forget to throw in a few hucks along the way!!!

The more you ride, the stronger you'll get if you keep pushing yourself.

 

[CC]

Just Dew It...

You know yourself better than anyone. You know where you can push it a little harder, whether it's up hill or just peddling faster on a long flat section. Grinding or sprinting for short sections will help you improve a little at a time.

Also keep in mind, you're not going to feel the same everyday. You're going to have days when you feel like you can push it harder than others, and days when you feel like all you energy is completely zapped. But don't get discouraged, just keep at it, and celebrate one milestone at a time. Like Glen, set some goals and keep working towards accomplishing them! You can dew it! \\/

 

[CalEpic]

All good advice listed above. To really become a stronger rider you will need to ride with frequency. If you only ride on the weekends it will tough to improve your stamina and strength. I would try to ride at least 3 times a week. As mentioned, mix it up and have fun but always push yourself.

C

 

[JamR]

Lot's of good advice above. You really need both.....sustained distance for aerobic, and short-steep climbs for anaerobic.

I found out very rudely over the past few years that when I eliminated one discipline; my overall biking strength suffered. That being said however, pretty much all adequate aerobic and anaerobic training should be geared towards climbing IMO.

For aerobic training I look for the long sustained modest climbs between 6% and 10% +/- (ie... STT, Blackstar, I Think I Can, Moro Ridge, Toads, etc); and for anaerobic I look for short-steep repeat climbs (ie... Rock-it, Lynx, Cholla, Meadows, San Juan, etc...basically any trail that has short steep sections that max out your heart rate, followed by a cool-down section).

Just look for the short ugly steep sections that you might otherwise avoid, and hit them regularly. Pain is only temporary 8)

Also, you can experiment with your gears. If you usually sit and spin in the granny on a certain hill; try standing in the middle-ring to bump the training up into the anaerobic range.

Just some thoughts.

Most of all...........just have fun.

I have a ride coming up this Sunday that has a good combination of aerobic and anaerobic if you are interested. Check out the "Viejoland Anti-Gravity" post in the trailhead forums.

Have fun.

 

[Ponch]

You could always just play nine games of freeze tag and see if that works!

 

[JamR]

p.s.

I don't see many riders signing up for this Sunday's Anti-Gravity ride.

Maybe it was the "No Whining" rule :?:

Anyway, don't make me go to the "other" web-site to look for some real bikers :lol:

 

[Andrew]

I'll find out tonight if I'll be able to make it. I don't think it was the 'no whining' rule so much as the intimidation by that long list of trails, ambiguity on distance and elevation, etc.

In college, there were a lot of people with cheap mountain bikes, who rarely took them on the trails. It was always sort of fun when taking them mountain biking and then exhausting them on the local trails (San Luis Obispo area). In hindsight, I think they enjoyed it too (well, some of them). Is it wrong of me to grin slightly when a friend literally flops off of his bike and starts rolling around in the dirt because of some leg cramps? I think my point is that it is no fun to be that person!

I don't see many riders signing up for this Sunday's Anti-Gravity ride.

Maybe it was the "No Whining" rule :?:

 

[JamR]

I'll find out tonight if I'll be able to make it. I don't think it was the 'no whining' rule so much as the intimidation by that long list of trails, ambiguity on distance and elevation, etc.

Thanks and hope to see you there.

The ride sounds intimidating, but it's really not bad, and it is definitely a "No Drop" ride. We will re-group at the top of every climb and roll the in-between trails slow and easy; plus an ample rest/coffee break in downtown Laguna Beach.

This is a fun ride.

 

[ShinKen]

Thanks and hope to see you there.

The ride sounds intimidating, but it's really not bad, and it is definitely a "No Drop" ride. We will re-group at the top of every climb and roll the in-between trails slow and easy; plus an ample rest/coffee break in downtown Laguna Beach.

This is a fun ride.

I would go Adam but I gotzz a plunge to take care of!!:bang:

 

[CC]

Slo

the local trails (San Luis Obispo area).

Since you have ridden some trails up in the SLO county can you possibly point me to a few great trails. I will be in the area next w/e visiting my dad in Paso Robles. I have done a lot of horse back riding and road riding but it will be my first time to take a mtb and want to get the best bang for the short time i'll be there. Any Suggestions?? :?:

Sorry for moving in on the thread Fro...Andrew can you please PM me or start a new thread I would love to get your feedback. Thanks!

 

[Franky]

I've never been house back riding, what's that like? \\/

 

[CC]

click-click-click - ghettiup - sound familiar?

I've never been horse back riding, what's that like? \\/

You should try it sometime (brat)...but seriously I have no idea what you're talk'n bot.

 

[Frozen208]

Lol CC, mtbracer.

Thanks for all they advice!!! I have been using riding as my study break while Im studying for finals, I'm making it further up the hill. And I will start throwing in a couple of sidestreets to add to the distance and add a chance to recover from the climb.

 

[dirttorpeedo]

hey frozen boooiieee...th e2 that stand out rite now are gurp and cc. they've imrproovd so much since ive no'n them. a good general rule from back in the old days was to get about ONE THOUSAND MILES...........uh ahem ONE BILLION MILES under your ride belt.but i dont think ive even got that yet.so get out and mix it up like everyone sez,if you want street riding,go from cucamonga to dennys in la vern via baseline and back,(safest in the morn.) hills up haven, once at the top dert rode go left to archibald or all the way to safire.hope this helps.