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Cycling Forum: I hate wind

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Membergalenight
    • CommentTimeSep 18th 2008
     
    galenight
    Hi all.  I'm fairly new to cycling and am training for my first MS 150 (although I'm only doing 60 miles).  I live in a very rural/agricultural area that is so windy we have wind farms nearby.  I am also only a few miles from Lake Huron, wo we have some lake effect winds at times.  I try to plan my routes to have a head wind at the beginning of my ride and a tail wind at the end, but it always seems like the wind shifts as I ride, especially the longer rides.  Yesterday when I was riding the wind was at 12 mpg with gusts up to 18mph.  It's a wonder I was even moving at times.  I drop my gear down and it helps for a bit, but I feel like I'm going up a giant mountain.  Anyone else feel this way?  Any suggestions?
  2.  
    rob.rennerii

    I have the same problem it seems. I commute to work and in the morning there is no wind, but on the way home there is almost always a headwind, especially if it's sunny. The warmer the weather the harder the wind!

     That said I'd still rather bike to work than drive.

  3.  
    joshuaweitzman

    I use to get defeated by the wind, but then I read a comparission between wind and climbing.  Basically, every 10 mph of headwind is equivalent to 1% road grade.  So 20 mph headwinds on a 2% grade is more like climbing a 4% grade.

    For me understanding the effect mentally made it much easier to downshift and keep spinning.  Don't try and grind it out, just go into a rhythm climbing mode (try a nice easy gear and a cadence as high as 95-105) and know everyone is struggling the same.

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberKGBIII
    • CommentTimeSep 19th 2008
     
    KGBIII

    I agree with joshua.

     Wind used to really be an issue for me.  But, the more I figured out about shifting gears, the better I got at dealing with wind.  High cadence is defintely the solution.  Try pedaling a gear that almost feels too easy when the wind gets bad.  It really works.  You'll be able to cut through the wind a lot faster in no time.  Also, pedaling at a high cadence helps to improve your endurance base and makes you faster in the long run.

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberGateOfZion
    • CommentTimeSep 19th 2008
     
    GateOfZion
    I agree - finding a rhythm is key. Though, I always think someone should design a bike sail to harness the power of the wind. . . .
    • CommentAuthorFree Membergalenight
    • CommentTimeSep 21st 2008
     
    galenight

    Thanks for all the words of wisdom.  GateofZion.. I have to admit, I like your idea best about the bike sail.  Might defeat the purpose of riding though...lol.

    I do down shift when the wind is bad, and try to keep my cadence up.  It definitely helps.  I also have been trying to keep my profile low as much as possible in the wind, and might feel an miniscule difference.  Still hate wind though.

     

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberKGBIII
    • CommentTimeSep 22nd 2008
     
    KGBIII
    Yeah, I hate it too.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberCO_Roaddog
    • CommentTimeSep 23rd 2008
     
    CO_Roaddog

    Wind, hills, and rain - those are my least favorite elements. The mentions about spinning/cadence and choosing a gear that's comfortable for your legs to help you go the distance.

    One thing I didn't see in the previous notes was "getting low" when you ride. I try to get as low as possible (while maintaining control). For me that means either being down in the "drops" of my handlebars or stretched out on my brakehoods. Clothing also plays heavy in my mind too.

    When I was doing more road racing I would sometimes put my time-trail bar on to ride in an aerodynamic position. It took some getting use to ride because it is so-o-o narrow.

    Definite cudos for riding in all that wind! 

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