How to Run a Hill-Repeat Group Ride
One hill, lots of laps, and nobody gets dropped.
Hill repeats are usually a solo grind. Done as a group, they turn into one of the most social rides of the season: everyone works at their own level, but you keep meeting at the bottom. Here's how to run one.
Pick the right hill
Look for a climb that takes about 3–8 minutes, has a quiet road, and has a safe spot at the top and the bottom where a group can stop off the road. A loop back down is ideal; a straight descent works if sightlines are good.
Set the format
- Time, not laps. Say "repeats from 8:00 to 9:00" rather than "six laps". Faster riders do more, nobody holds anyone up.
- Regroup at the bottom. Everyone rolls down together and starts each rep on a call, so the group stays together even though the climbing is individual.
- Three effort levels. Call each rep "steady", "tempo" or "hard". Riders choose their own pace inside that.
- Last rep is the fun one. Finish with a staggered start: slowest riders go first, fastest last, and see who gets to the top first.
Bib shorts sold separately.
Keep it safe
Single file on the way down, no overtaking on the descent, and lights on if the road is shaded. Agree on a turnaround point at the top so nobody does a U-turn in traffic.
Make it a thing
Give it a name, a regular day and a café at the end. A "Tough Tuesday" or a "No Smart Lines" morning gets people coming back. Matching kit helps: a club order with your name or logo is free to customize, and our guide to ordering custom team kit walks you through it.
Wear the motto
If your group's unofficial slogan is "I might not be smart, but I am tough", we've already printed it. The TOUGH / After the Climb jersey has it across the back, a mountain road on the front and topo-line sleeves. $59.95, made to order in XS to 4XL, delivered in 5–6 weeks. Not sure of your size? Check the size guide; if it's wrong, keep it and order another size within 15 days at about 20–60% off.
Ride it, then tag @corbahcycling with your group at the top.
