What helps me with climbing is commuting on a heavier bike, with fixed gear or single speed, so I have to use strength to climb up the hills.When I get on my audax bike it feels light and nimble in comparison. When starting up a long hill using a geared bike I often sight some object half way up, eg a signpost , or tree, and decide not to change down gears until I have reached it. Frequently I find that I can ride even further than the object before changing down. Of course there are lots of tips on the net about climbing, and there is a thread on my club's website at the moment, see:
http://www.kingstonwheelers.co.uk/kwccforum/viewtopic.php?t=7456Also try using your arms to pull on the bars whilst turning the pedals in a slightly higher gear than normal, and try circling your ankles as you pedal,so it feels like you are trying to scrape something unwelcome off your shoe, instead of holding the ankles rigid as many people do. Alternate standing on the pedals, and pulling hard on the bars in a higher gear with sitting back and pedalling gently in a lower gear when you need a breather.
Finally ensure you are eating enough carbs. On really hilly rides its sometimes necessary to eat between controls, eg a quick banana or energy bar.
thats what gets me round - a bit quicker is all I'm after
So, all you climbers, what do I need to do to get up those hills?
Only in my opinion, but I reckon all of these rides that are based on travelling through superb countryside are adventures; grand views, grunty bits and moments where you feel that you have seen/found somewhere for the first time.
I don't think you need any more motivation than that.
H