Hill Training

AidanR

Fair points!

alistaird

Bronzie wrote:

- climbing is a hell of a lot more enjoyable when you are a bit fitter

and in my case, they will be when I'm a few pounds lighter as well!

Good points.

Alistair

mz__jo

Before we all get carried away with this hill, reading the OP shows that he is talking about Aubusson -Clermont. So the big hill comes on the return ride. There is enough climbing on the rest of the route that he really won't have too much to worry about with the Col des Goules. Just take it easy and it will pass "les doigts dans le nez" (I really don't recommend trying to ride with your fingers up your nose, training or otherwise), provided he is suitably equipped.

Any training plan has to reflect the fact that an explosive effort is not really required. I will leave the experts to comment on high level training and heart rates. For me the easiest way is still to ride a high gear against the wind (in the absence of long hills). It is also a training technique that seems to work OK for dutch pro riders. That and doing long rides to get comfortable on the bike.

Enjoy your ride; it will be fine. Just take care with the traffic if you are ont the nationale.

explosifpete

Just to ad my 2 pence worth,
Don't worry about it sit down, turn a small gear and go at your own pace tell your son to wait for you at the top and enjoy the rest of the ride

mclarent

Longest / Best hill in Essex is only 20 odd miles from you, North Hill in Danbury. Give that a go! 20 miles each way plus the hill = a nice 2-3 hour training ride. It's 4.14km long, so you could ride it twice...

p.s. the bottom of the hill is at the north end of the road.