You should totally give it a try sometime if you're feeling up to it and have a multi speed bike. It's really hard the first time, but so much of the challenge is mental hurdles like feeling tired, balance when you're going slow, and shifting. The physical challenge is a lot less than you might think.

I accidentally opted into a really tough commute a few years ago (~400ft ascent which is about 122m) and it was really challenging at first but it's amazing how fast you can improve.

I also bought an ebike. They are incredible for days you aren't feeling well or need to grab extra groceries. Good luck with your conversion project! I bet you'll love it

[–] Olgratin_Magmatoe@slrpnk.net 1 points 5 hours ago

That's crossed my mind once or twice, but ultimately I don't want to put myself in a situation I can't readily get out of if I can help it. So I've been holding off.

I'll definitely still be trying to go as far as I can up the hill under my own power as I can, but once I hit my limit I want the assist. I want the goal to be to slowly improve how far up I can get on my own.

But it's gonna half to be baby steps.

I also bought an ebike. They are incredible for days you aren’t feeling well or need to grab extra groceries. Good luck with your conversion project! I bet you’ll love it

I have a grocery store juuuuust at the ~15 minute walk range of my home. It's also up a giant hill. Nowhere near as bad, but bad enough for me to say "fuck it, I don't have the energy to walk or bike", and I take my car up for a few small things when I absolutely could have just walked.

So I'm hoping to reduce that as well, and take the bike for small trips like that.