spread your legs

chrissie wellington

OK, now I have your attention! I have been trying for the last 3 years to learn how to stand up on my bike when climbing hills. So far I have been a complete failure, and as my faithful readers know, I have fallen several times when climbing steep hills. Not a pretty picture.

So my success rate thus far is about a zero. The other day I was out with my son. He watched me struggling and attempting my very clumsy stand. He said nothing, but was glad I was attempting to stand.

He went out the other day solo and spent some time trying to stand the way I was standing. He immediately saw my error.

He said I was trying to stand and pedal in the exact same position as when I am sitting. Only difference being I have left my seat.

He said in the most undelicate manner, "mom, spread your legs, get your knees slightly fanned out and spread the hips!"

Yeah,yeah, sounds gross. But today I was out solo riding again and took his advice. MAGIC, I am instantly better at standing up. The improvement was dramatic.

Now I am no Chrissie Wellington (wins the Hawaiian Iron Man) in form, age or abilities, but heck, I got better!

SO give it a try next time out on your bike. For most good cyclists, the ability to stand up is not an issue, but for an oldie like me, it is hard.