Hill Repeats - aka, How did I get myself into this?

[Benny]

It seemed like an innocent enough conversation. How did it ever take such an evil twist?

Sha'Ron and I were talking about how the first couple of days of BRAG this year were going to be some of the hilliest days of BRAG we could ever remember. Starting in Hiawassee and ending in Dahlonega on the first day, how could it be anything but extremely hilly? Mountainous would be a better description. So it makes sense that we should do a little hill work between now and June so we won't suffer too badly when we get to BRAG.

Next thing I know we are making plans to meet at Blandy Elementary School parking lot at 5:00 on Wednesday where we will repeat climbing and descending State Dairy Farm Road and Horace Veal Road over and over until dark or until we just can't stand it any more. We even talked about making it a regular weekly ride so we can work ourselves into strong climbers before BRAG starts on June 7th.

Come join us in our insanity or just come out to watch us suffer. It should be quite entertaining. Don't expect any blistering speed. We both have triple chainrings and we aren't ashamed to use our granny gears.

[C.U. Allezter]

Man, I hate to miss out on this. Maybe I can make it another Wed. I just loves me some hill climbing.

[MootsMan]

In the late 90's Janice and I, on our way to CO, stopped over at a MTBR.com gathering of cyclists from Canada and the USA. While there we met a great Canadian with whom we still correspond. He had been a road cycling trainer for years and he simply told us that our mantra should be "I love them hills," I love them hills, etc." It stuck.

[Benny]

We rode State Dairy Farm and Horace Veal three times each for a total of 21 miles of climbing and descending. It seemed to get easier each time. I stopped using the granny ring after the first set. We plan to make it a regular weekly ride for the foreseeable future. Exceptions will be posted here.

[C.U. Allezter]

Way to go guys! Sounds like you're preparing for Six Gap, not BRAG.

[Benny]

Originally Posted by C.U. Allezter

Way to go guys! Sounds like you're preparing for Six Gap, not BRAG.

That too. :-)

[MootsMan]

I did those repeats several years ago. If I didn't have a tough MTB ride every Thursday I'd come out for them....but they are on my non-cycling day between the aforementioned MTB ride and the Tuesday road ride. Maybe I can plan an outing or so. FWIW, as I've mentioned to many (likely ad nauseum) intensity is the key - volume is fine for building/rebuilding a base or having fun...but intensity, e.g., hill repeats, intervals, Selma, etc, is gonna give you the big break throughs.

[Benny]

Fun is good, too.

[Benny]

I will not be able to ride the hills this week.

[Benny]

I have had to avoid riding much during the heavy pollen season, especially strenuous rides that cause me to breathe deeply. I won't be doing the Wednesday hill repeats until further notice.