Long, Steady Grades

On big climbs, effective climbing is about monitoring your effort so you never redline.

Body Position
Stay seated for prolonged periods. Slide back in the saddle a bit for leg extension and leverage. Relax your upper body and open your chest by pulling your shoulders back a bit. Hunching over inhibits breathing. Stand intermittently to give certain muscle groups (not to mention your butt) a break.

Cadence and Gearing
Your cadence should be high (not below 70 rpm; 80 to 90 is ideal). Mashing gears fatigues you fast. Spinning–like a low-weight, high-rep weight workout–lets muscles recover faster. Amp up your effort for steeper pitches, then revert to a lower intensity.

Effort
Keep it measured. Start by setting your pace roughly at what you think you can sustain, then back off a notch so you have some cushion if the grade steepens.

Additional Tip:
Stretch on the bike: Stand and push hips forward to help your low back. To loosen your shoulders, slide backward and round your back. Pin shoulders back to lengthen your neck.

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