Fifty Plus (50+) - Traded Hills for Head Winds

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bassplyr
10-15-11, 01:01 PM
We just made our seasonal move from middle TN to SW FL and I made my first ride in FL this morning. I just started riding this spring in TN and my typical 20 mile ride would have a total climb of 1500' to 1800'. This morning's ride was 20 miles and my total climb was 85'. While my average speed was up 3 mph my average HR was lower by about 12bpm. I really enjoyed riding the flat terrain and there were tons of other people riding. I ended up riding the last couple of miles with a small club ride I caught up with at a traffic light.

I must say while the terrain is flatter, the winds are much stronger here. I don't think it is an even trade (fitness wise), but I am enjoying it. I know when I go back to TN in the spring though, the hills will be extra tough.

Thanks,
Roger

ftwelder
10-15-11, 02:21 PM
I like hills much better. I ride along a big river with a headwind for a mile or two on many of my rides. It's always a headwind and I enjoy it the least.
curbtender
10-15-11, 02:31 PM
I'm not a fan of hills, but it's the only way I get to see panoramic views and then get to pass a few people on my way down. Headwinds are not my friend...

John_V
10-15-11, 05:56 PM
Yep! Florida is pretty flat until you start getting up around Orlando and north of there. I have learned to handle the wind, but hills are not my friend.
bassplyr
10-15-11, 08:01 PM
Yeah, I found myself riding in the drops 2X more than usual. I guess I will be seeing more of that in the coming months. Actually, I am missing our hills. While I enjoyed my ride today, at the end, I did not feel I had put out as much effort. I will make a conscious effort to start turning bigger gears.

Thanks,
Roger
stapfam
10-16-11, 01:21 AM
Hills or Headwind? Give me hills every time. You can see how hard a hill is going to be- but Wind--Strong ones catch me out every time.

And a hill is Either up or down--Both are fun so why do I only ever notice the headwinds? Don't think we have Tailwinds over here
bruce19
10-16-11, 02:49 AM
Hills or Headwind? Give me hills every time. You can see how hard a hill is going to be- but Wind--Strong ones catch me out every time.

And a hill is Either up or down--Both are fun so why do I only ever notice the headwinds? Don't think we have Tailwinds over here

+1

If I lived in a place with winds most of the time I'd probably never ride. No redeeming feature to winds. It takes all the fun out of cycling for me. The Masi would go in the garage and the Ducati would come out.
akansaskid
10-16-11, 07:15 AM
Hills break the legs; wind breaks the spirit. This is Kansas; we got wind.