Originally Posted by
Robert A
Last spring, I started riding with local groups. On flats, I can keep pace just fine, but on hills I run out of gas and lose the group. My heart rate spikes too high and I have to slow down.
I ride regularly -- 2-3 times/week. I'm constantly pushing myself by doing local hill climbs.
A typical weekday ride often includes 1,000-2,000 feet of climbing (6% to 8% grades) over 2-5 mile distances. In Santa Monica/Brentwood, I'll ride Mandeville, Kenter Canyon, or Tigertail Road, sometimes twice at a time.
On weekends, I can easily put down 50-70 miles on flats and rolling hils. And on hilly rides, I've climbed Latigo Canyon and Topanga Canyon. I'm also completed two Centuries this year including Solvang.
When climbing, I'm steady and consistent when solo, but I can't keep pace with groups. How can I improve my climbing speed and endurance?
The only thing I can add is get out of your local climb "comfort zone" and since you are in SoCal get out to Angeles Crest, GMR, Mt Baldy/Ski Lifts, Crystal Lake/Dawson Saddle/Wrightwood and delve into some long ascents. I was into local shorter climbs that did not challenge or make me a better climber. Longer ascents helped immensely to climb with confidence even at 220#.