Clermont, FL – Hill Training

This Sunday – real hills! Clermont, Florida. Overcast. Slightly cool for a summer day in Florida. That was the scene for today’s training ride. Getting ready to ride in the mountains, Clermont provides some elevation to get in a good workout and challenge the muscles.

The Training Approach

Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead was today’s starting point. Clouds loomed overhead, threatening rain. Not to miss out on a training opportunity, though, the team members (Diana & Z) made the trek to Clermont.

The day started cooler than the typical July day in Florida. Ok, humidity on top of some heat still makes for a crazy hot day. Breathing might have been optional today in that pea soup we had for air. Motivated by beautiful trees, shade, and the challenge of the hills, the riders got started.

First leg – The Wall, then Escape from the Wall. The riders could feel the burn! And this was just the start. Used to the flats of Florida, training in these hills was just what the riders needed. Soon enough they reached Buckhill road. Then Sugarloaf Mountain Road was up. The name conjures dread in many riders. Not this team. The first words that could be heard were “We got this!”. The ascent was slow but successful. A short stop at the top made for a quick breather and plenty of hydration. Even though the day was overcast, the humidity literally took your breath away.

The rain started. The riders went back down the mountain, pelted by rain. The thing about descending in the rain that comes to mind – slippery, wet, muddy roads. The team riders carefully made their way down the hill. The rain lets up, just in time. with only about 6 miles left, the hills were not over. One of the riders caught a cramp that could not be removed by just riding it out, so there was another short stop. After a few minutes, some stretching, and re-hydration, the riders finished the last leg of the ride.

This training ride was short but tough. The hills provided the challenges needed, though, to get ready for the big day in Georgia!