Uphills

cgarossi

I usually ride with a couple of mates who are generaly much faster than I am at takling ascents. I always manage the climb so I can't be classed as unfit, plus the fact I weigh 15stone to their 13 stone average im sure contributes to this. Is there anyone else here who is usually at the back end when it comes to taking in a climb? Wish I could beat them but I really can't see me shedding two stone. Although saying that I have lost a stone since before xmas, which can't be bad.

supersonic

Have a read of this:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12629353

.blitz

What sort of climb are we talking about? Short and steep or a long drag?

cgarossi

Thanks. I did comment in that thread although it seems to have died. I'll resurrect it if you feel this thread is too similar.

I've been MTBing for years and always put 100% effort into my rides, however theres not a chance in hell I can keep up with my best mate. He's skinny as hell lol.

Mind you I was at Mountain Mayhem this year (spectating) and was surprised to find so many people who are not such athletic toothpicks. That made me a feel a little better.

Having said that, I'm trying to stick to a diet that I think is ok (im a fussy eater), plenty of fruit and protein. Carbs such as rice and pasta too which seem to help, although I do seem to get conflicting information as to what foods are appropriate for weight loss AND keeping up the power during rides.

edit: Blitz. The climb I was on last night was around 800 feet, a mixture of grass and gravel, fairly steep with a few switch backs. I would say that it was medium-hard to hard for a less experienced mtb'er (without blowing my own trumpet)

Tank-slapper

cgarossi wrote:

Having said that, I'm trying to stick to a diet that I think is ok (im a fussy eater), plenty of fruit and protein. Carbs such as rice and pasta too which seem to help, although I do seem to get conflicting information as to what foods are appropriate for weight loss AND keeping up the power during rides.

There is a contradiction here. If you are dieting to lose weight, you can't really expect to retain the same energy levels as if you were on a 'normal' diet.

However, if you are careful, the difference does not have to be great. Count your calorie input and output (there are many useful websites around to help) and make sure you burn 500 calories more per day than you take in. The body fat will disappear but it will take time, about 1kg per 2 weeks. Don't be tempted to rush because your body will simply digest your muscle mass before the fat and you don't want that.

cgarossi

Thanks. Im aware of the contridiction. If I want to keep energy levels up and lose weight then I realise I need to be carefull. I'm not an avid calorie counter but just go for lighter foods and smaller portions of what I eat normally, which is usually ok to my mind. Without the aid of someone who actually knows what to go for, I'll just have to go with that feels right. Theres so much conflicting information on the internet. I read the Mens Health forums for some ideas but some of it just turns into a slanging match about whos right or wrong.

I'll stick to fruit. Carbs before rides, a banana and energy drink during rides and Protein afterwards, while trying to watch the calorie content. I hope that makes sense.

I think that keeping meals regular to stop your body fasting sound sensible?

weeksy59

Of course weight comes into it, but i outclimb people who are lighter than me...

I don't outclimb people who are fitter than me....

There's a reason for that

cgarossi

Yeah. I managed to overtake a good few people during the MM open hours last Friday, so felt good about that.