So, before any long ride, do more hills than you want to. Many of these skills can be learned by osmosis when doing group recreational rides. Practice the spinning technique. You know I have to stress the Effective Cycling course. This course is for beginners - yes, but also for experienced riders.
Beginners taking it get a jump-start into effective status.
Skills and confidence soar with the Effective Cycling course. This is a dedicated rider who cycled every inch of those MS-150 miles, a little inexperienced, but ready to tackle the next one. And next year, I will probably be going along with my tongue hanging out from trying to keep up with my pal who will have already built a mileage base, practiced climbing, honed shifting techniques and took one of those neat Effective Cycling courses.