Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on October 11, 2012 at 2:22am

"Like" you are crazy?

Pretty spirograph...

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Permalink Reply by Mike Tobin on October 11, 2012 at 2:47am

I tried to write Go Cubs in the field on my GPS but nothing seems to work when you involve the Cubbies.

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on October 11, 2012 at 3:13am

I prefer to train on the parking garage ramp across from the Binny's in Licoln Park.

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Bussey on October 11, 2012 at 3:53am

Just ride up and down Halsted from Division to Taylor and back a few times

Also better than looking like a nerfherder - though I do like me some funny nerfherders...

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Permalink Reply by Carl on October 11, 2012 at 5:15am

As someone who grew up biking in the foothills of Appalachia, I think proper hill training would involve a mile or so of solid incline. I agree with finding a large parking garage. And seeing as I've done that before, I also suggest taking the elevator down, as the temptation to fly back down the incline is only gonna increase the chance of you and a car's bumper getting cozy. ;)

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Permalink Reply by Mike Tobin on October 11, 2012 at 5:40am

don't we all wish we had a proper hill to train on. I did this on my mountain bike.

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Permalink Reply by S on October 11, 2012 at 5:40am

The other alternative is to go out on a nice windy day and ride against the wind for a while.  Do this on a day with a strong wind and a place like the LFP where there's nothing to block the wind and you'll get a decent analogue to climbing a hill.

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Permalink Reply by David Barish on October 11, 2012 at 7:57am

Hank Scheff has been leading hill training rides for Evanston Bike Club  www.evanstonbikeclub.org in the weeks before the Hilly Hundred later this month.  He rides at 8 am on Saturday leaving from Panera Bread in Wilmette and up to the beach access roads on the north shore. Rain may alter the plans for this Saturday.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 11, 2012 at 8:16am

In years past, I've had success in doing this - and increasing the effect with a heavy non-aerodynamic load on the bike.  I've also combined it with carrying a heavy pannier load on my commute and detouring to add a few bridge climbs to my trip.  After several weeks of this (heavy mountain bike plus heavy load plus bridges and/or wind), I took my road bike to Wisconsin.  The difference in weight and resistance was enough to make me feel like I was riding a rocket on all but the longest hills.

S said:

The other alternative is to go out on a nice windy day and ride against the wind for a while.  Do this on a day with a strong wind and a place like the LFP where there's nothing to block the wind and you'll get a decent analogue to climbing a hill.

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Bussey on October 11, 2012 at 9:02am

Halsted/Roosevelt/Path/18th/Canal Hills

This route is all in Chicago and IMO has the best bang for your buck for riding constant elevation changes without having to abuse Cricket Hill likewoah - The Halsted stretch alone is a killer on a windy day.  Throw in the Roosevelt hill over the Metra and river plus the 18th stret Metra bridge and you got yourself some elevation!

Winnetka Tower Road Park

This is up in Winnetka and is IMO the toughest hill to climb in our area thats on pavement.  Do this just once out and back and you've rode over 800 ft in 2 miles of riding.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Studer 8.0 mi on October 11, 2012 at 9:08am

It is amazing how much "non-areodynamic load" you can get with a trailer.  I've started pulling my son on a wee-hoo trailer for training rides, and the wee-hoo acts like a parachute in creating drag.  The effect is very similar to a long,  drawn-out hill.

 
Anne Alt said:

In years past, I've had success in doing this - and increasing the effect with a heavy non-aerodynamic load on the bike.  I've also combined it with carrying a heavy pannier load on my commute and detouring to add a few bridge climbs to my trip.  After several weeks of this (heavy mountain bike plus heavy load plus bridges and/or wind), I took my road bike to Wisconsin.  The difference in weight and resistance was enough to make me feel like I was riding a rocket on all but the longest hills.

S said:

The other alternative is to go out on a nice windy day and ride against the wind for a while.  Do this on a day with a strong wind and a place like the LFP where there's nothing to block the wind and you'll get a decent analogue to climbing a hill.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Tobin on October 11, 2012 at 9:17am

It looks like the Evanston Hill training will only happen this Saturday, then they will knock it off.

I need to get in some hills during the week. I also do the toboggan run S. of Soldier field.

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