Whatever your physical capabilities, or level of fitness, it's essential that you prepare
yourself adequately before a climb, especially the steep climbs and climbs that last over 10 minutes.
First and foremost, you must ensure prior to the ride that the gear ratio you have will
suit the terrain. Fortunately, most modern gear setups have compact-style ratios, with
50 tooth x 34 front chainring, and 12-25 or 28 rear cassette. On the very long, strength-sapping
climbs, it's a good tip to be actually be slightly under-geared and have a reserve sprocket
or two, just in case you get into difficulty. Remember, spinning is better than churning.
Know your route.
So that you are suitably mentally prepared, it is definitely a benefit to know your route
beforehand. Not in minute detail, but certainly if there are any significant climbs to tackle.
Not knowing your route can be exciting, but hitting climb after climb and not knowing
what lays ahead can also be pretty demoralising. So, get clued up.
Try not to eat when climbing. Get any solid food down you a good 10 minutes before you
hit the climb. Believe me, when you're trying to gulp in air on a climb, no matter how tasty
the bar is, it's a pretty difficult challenge.
Of course, there's no harm in sipping drinks while climbing.
Clothing.
Even in colder weather, it is remarkably easy to overheat while climbing, with the increased
workload and lack of cooling wind due to the lower speeds. If you can, and where it is
safe to do so, remove any arm warmers, capes or gilets prior to the climb, so you can effectively
assist in keeping your body temperature regulated.
On the approach.
Your level of fitness will dictate how hard you can hit the foot of a climb, and of course
how fast you can actually climb it. For those of us not as gifted as Quintana or Froome,
it's best to try and rest a little on the run-in to the climb, so you start climbing
in a relaxed state, which will have a knock-on effect of enabling you to get into a steady
rhythm with no sense of panic.
You're now prepared for a climb. Go for it!