Hillclimb training

Looks like Key Biscayne and Claremont it is.

RE: [LT100Bike] training advice for long climbs ?

Riding a big gear ratio into the wind for an hour is just as good as climbing a
hill for an hour. But, mental determination has to compensate for the absence
of gradient. Also, I think riding a climb 'feels' more rewarding than riding
flats at the same output, so its 'easier' to keep at it.

Hill repeats are great stuff. I have a place to do 5:15 minute repeats at high
effort on a moderate grade. I do most of them seated, but mix it up too - one
standing the whole rep, a couple seated at high tension (big gear ratio), a
couple at high cadence. I think these reps are great climb conditioners,
training (tricking) the body into better performance on long climbs simply by
raising AT and tolerance of discomfort. Usually I prefer to do high intensity
stuff on my own, but these repeats lend themselves to partnered work, too.
Equally strong riders can press one another from the line, and at the top can
take turns saying, "Come on, let's do one more." Or, if your mate is a bit
faster or slower on such a circuit, start the first repeat together and mark the
time gap at the top. 'Handicap' the next start to set up a spirited rep.

In Heaven there are no trainers. People ride outside when its gray and wet and
cold because it still sucks less than the trainer. But, trainers are great too.
I suggest to all that the secret to trainers is session management. Do not do
trainer sessions without purpose and proper stimulus. Have a plan for the whole
session, BEFORE you get on the saddle. Junk miles on a trainer are worse than
useless. A TV in front of you is good, but do not watch a movie or network
programming; they are counter-productive. Forty-five minutes of focused work is
way more beneficial than two hours of "My Cousin Vinny" (Although that is a
great movie.) Road racing videos are inspiring and tend to keep my intensity up
(Phil Liggett commentary as I whup some Euro-ass at the line, or pace a climb
with Lance). Training videos are good. I have "Spinervals" tapes that are
pretty good, ranging in program length and purpose from 45 -120 minutes.

Lots of flatland riders enjoy great success on Leadville climbs. Training for
endurance and force is training for climbs, wherever you do it.