I came from a hiking background before starting to ride again at 50 y/o in 2014.
Challenging hikes gave me a base fitness to start with but I did not get stronger and build endurance until I actively welcomed hills and more hills into my rides.
I think 100 feet per mile elevation gain is still considered a hilly course. Most of my rides now are in the 120 feet per mile of climb category.
If I'm not climbing, the ride is more to just a spin than to gain better fitness. Just my experience if it helps?,
Last edited by CAT7RDR; 05-01-24 at 07:01 PM.