I'm wondering if anyone can help in optimizing my hill climbing strategy for 40-50 mi non-stop group rides at 18-20 mph avg over flat to rolling terrain with 100'-200' climbs. I'm currently 225 pounds at 6'-0" and riding with guys who are 50 pounds lighter at my height. I'm a strong rider, but naturally I have a lower power/weight ratio than slimmer riders, so I need more time to climb anything but the shortest hills.
Obviously moving to the front of the group before the climb gives a little extra time to climb without getting dropped off the back of the group, because it takes the group some time to pass you. And climbing while seated is more efficient, plus with all that upper body mass, it's not necessary to stand to put the power into the crank. But what is the optimal effort profile?
Most of the climbing advice I have seen says to start the climb in a lower gear at a sustainable effort, and to increase the effort and upshift during the climb, saving a final burst to accelerate over the top. This may work for skinny racers, but I'm not sure this is the best way to get my fat ass up the hill. When I do this, I end up having to continue going maxed out for an addional 5 min hard interval breaking my own wind to get back on the end of the paceline. Not fun.
Lately I have tried doing the opposite. I ride off the front of the group before a climb and accelerate to hit the bottom of the hill at ~30mph, then try to stay on top of a big gear and keep the speed up as long as I can without blowing up. Then I drop to the 34/28 low gear on my compact, and finish the climb at a recovery pace. When I do this, I seem to get dropped nearer the top of the hill, and can usually pick up the stragglers at the back of the pack.
I'm not sure if this is working beacuse it's the off season, and/or if I've been getting a better workout by carrying the extra weight around. My intuitive sense is that the all-in strategy is probably better for training rides anyway, but would not be useful for a longer ride like the double century I'm training for. But I would be interested in hearing what other clydes have found in their experience riding with fast groups of lighter riders.
Obviously moving to the front of the group before the climb gives a little extra time to climb without getting dropped off the back of the group, because it takes the group some time to pass you. And climbing while seated is more efficient, plus with all that upper body mass, it's not necessary to stand to put the power into the crank. But what is the optimal effort profile?
Most of the climbing advice I have seen says to start the climb in a lower gear at a sustainable effort, and to increase the effort and upshift during the climb, saving a final burst to accelerate over the top. This may work for skinny racers, but I'm not sure this is the best way to get my fat ass up the hill. When I do this, I end up having to continue going maxed out for an addional 5 min hard interval breaking my own wind to get back on the end of the paceline. Not fun.
Lately I have tried doing the opposite. I ride off the front of the group before a climb and accelerate to hit the bottom of the hill at ~30mph, then try to stay on top of a big gear and keep the speed up as long as I can without blowing up. Then I drop to the 34/28 low gear on my compact, and finish the climb at a recovery pace. When I do this, I seem to get dropped nearer the top of the hill, and can usually pick up the stragglers at the back of the pack.
I'm not sure if this is working beacuse it's the off season, and/or if I've been getting a better workout by carrying the extra weight around. My intuitive sense is that the all-in strategy is probably better for training rides anyway, but would not be useful for a longer ride like the double century I'm training for. But I would be interested in hearing what other clydes have found in their experience riding with fast groups of lighter riders.