In the Bay Area, the winds are predictable -- from the north in the afternoon, and strong.
I usually go north and west on weekend rides from where I live. This gives me an opportunity to use a stairstep approach to cut across the valley. In doing so I get a good workout but in phases; I'm not "cooked" by 20-30 miles of non-stop, fierce, winds but rather am able to take a breather between headwind segments. It's a lot long, elongated intervals.
On my commute home I always get a tailwind in the summer but can face some terrific headwinds in winter. In the latter case, I'm stuck -- I live due south from where I work ... no escape !!