Argh Wind!

Frazercp

Ive only been cycling a relatively short time (a few months) and have been progressing well...but today I met my biggest challenge yet...not in the form of a hill but wind!

I went out for a 30mile jaunt this morning, noticed a strong breeze for the first few miles through some countryside, then i dropped down into a long valley i normally cycle and average around 16-17mph along, but it was like the valley channeled the wind or something and it was a pure gale! At times i struggled to get above 10mph, even whilst getting into the most aerodynamic position i possibly could. Needless to say the cycle back through another valley was amazingly quick.

I havent experienced wind like this on a bike before and although i know it makes a difference, i really didnt expect it to be so difficult. Just thought i'd share this with you guys.

gkerr4

yep - it's a killer.

I live on the coast and one of my favourite routes takes me around warton and west towards lytham and st annes - the wind along there (usually a westerly) can be soul destroying at times - struggling to remain, as you say, around 10mph.

It does make you stronger though - the constant need to pedal very hard builds your legs and aerobic capacity - so not all bad!

Unknown

As GK says, although a real killer it's probably one of the best workouts you can have

My bikes - http://flickr.com/photos/82587774@N00/

I want one of these !! http://www.ciclicasati.it/italiano/foto_laser.htm

domtyler

Use it to your advantage, tune your position by listening for changes in the wind noise as you alter your position, obviously less is better, it is also a good workout for building strength.

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Porridge not Petrol
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MAGIC FLIGHT

on the road

Give me wind any day, I'd rather be struggling against the wind then be out in the rain, at least I remain dry and I don't have to clean my bike when I get in.

Tynancp

wind is the one element that really hacks me off, I can tackle hills, rain, heat, cold, the lot and attack it, make the best of it, wind I loathe, having to cycle down hills, my routes have always been long and straight and if you geta head wind, you get it for the entire journey

Bigtallfatbloke

I also suffer badly from wind[:D]...well somebody had to say it!

..seriously I was just out on my 35km loop in the weeing rain, th ewind was ok until the home stretch then it hit hard against me...I preferred the rain[:)]

Gravity sucks

gaterz1981

I hate wind, as i only a weenie and it blows me all over the place. Good when its behind me though.

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allaction

Is it just me or do you have nightmares about having a strong headwind going out only for it to change and face you down on the way back! Never actually happened but one day no doubt...

neslon

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by allaction</i>

Is it just me or do you have nightmares about having a strong headwind going out only for it to change and face you down on the way back! Never actually happened but one day no doubt...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Seems to happen to me every day - I bike from newcastle to Cramlington, which is the windiest place in the world, and you can guarantee its in your face every time!