ARG, the wind!!!
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Burlington, ON
Posts: 258
Bikes: 2006 Trek 7.3 FX, 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa, Batavus Entrada, MEC Origami Folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
ARG, the wind!!!
I'm new to bike commuting, so I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing, snow, hail, or torrential downpours yet ... but I think I already know that my worst enemy will turn out to be @#$&% wind!!!!
#2
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Yup, here in Michigan, the fall/winter westerly wind is starting to kick in. All summer I enjoy doing the 10.5 miles home in 34-36 minutes. Well, the wind has started up, my legs are feeling it, and my time isup to 39-42 minutes. It'll hit 55 minutes on horrible days in the dead of winter on studded 30 PSI tires over snow. These are the days that test men's legs. Ow.
It's just extra training. Enjoy it :-)
It's just extra training. Enjoy it :-)
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#3
SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Wind blows. Get in an aero tuck, grit your teeth and remember that headwinds turn into tailwinds when you go home. Or vice versa. And get a roadie and clip on aero bars.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 151
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i feel your pain.
what i can't figure out is why no matter what direction i am travelling, the wind is always against me.
i haven't had to deal with any real rain yet either, but i too am an enemy of the &*@#$*^% wind.
what i can't figure out is why no matter what direction i am travelling, the wind is always against me.
i haven't had to deal with any real rain yet either, but i too am an enemy of the &*@#$*^% wind.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 1,945
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I normally get a head or cross wind.
On the way home tonight I had a tailwind, and man did I use it.
17.25 miles in 54:25 at 19mph on a mountain bike!!!
Awesome ride. In the morning I'll get it head on though. Oh well, that's the way it goes.
On the way home tonight I had a tailwind, and man did I use it.
17.25 miles in 54:25 at 19mph on a mountain bike!!!
Awesome ride. In the morning I'll get it head on though. Oh well, that's the way it goes.
#6
Dances a jig.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central, Ok
Posts: 402
Bikes: 2007 Surly Long Haul Trucker 54cm (Commuting/Wanna' go tour so bad), 1985 Trek 670 21" (Road), 2003 Gary Fisher Tassajara 17" (MTB), Cannondale DeltaV 600 (commuterized MTB), some junker bikes in my garage
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hmm, let's see.
"OKLAHOMA, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain!"
Yeah, wind sucks.
"OKLAHOMA, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain!"
Yeah, wind sucks.
#7
Pedaling Backwards
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Mid-Michigan
Posts: 400
Bikes: '04 Cannondale F300, '92 Park Pre Rigid MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm in Michigan too...and I swear, in the morning the wind comes down from the north (in my face as I head to work), and in the afternoon, it comes up from the south (in my face as I come home).
I've had a few days where there was no wind and I make the 8 mile trip in about 28 minutes. The days that we have wind, I've been slowed down as much as 10 minutes.
I've had a few days where there was no wind and I make the 8 mile trip in about 28 minutes. The days that we have wind, I've been slowed down as much as 10 minutes.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Japan
Posts: 63
Bikes: Mongoized Norco with roadie components
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Wind is nasty, but it can be a lot of fun too. I cycle on a dedicated path along a river that goes literally for hundreds of K's. Not too long ago I had battled into the head wind, but coming home I was cruising at 47Km/h! (Thats almost 30mph!) I almost ran out of gears and I have a MTB with a 39/52 up front!
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 522
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For those who work the swing shift (3 to midnight, or thereabouts), it's rarely the case that the wind you fought on your way to work is the same wind that will guide you safely home.
Seeing as how wind is a function of temperature differentials (warm air rising and cool air taking its place), once everything cools off at night, fuhgettaboutit.
Usually. Sometimes you get lucky and have the wind filling your sails in both directions. Not often, but enough to keep you feeling blessed.
Seeing as how wind is a function of temperature differentials (warm air rising and cool air taking its place), once everything cools off at night, fuhgettaboutit.
Usually. Sometimes you get lucky and have the wind filling your sails in both directions. Not often, but enough to keep you feeling blessed.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Burlington, ON
Posts: 258
Bikes: 2006 Trek 7.3 FX, 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa, Batavus Entrada, MEC Origami Folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yep, I seem to be experiencing the phenomenon that others have talked about - headwinds no matter whether I'm going to work or coming home from work.
It's making us stronger, right?!?!
It's making us stronger, right?!?!
#12
Senior Member
I've been noticing this myself. Had to battle more wind on the way home last night than I have in previous weeks... Possibly remanents of the tropical storms that always blow down South around this time of year. But I was taking it easy since I need to repack my bearings (that's another story altogether) and didn't want to bust my knees up pushing the wind.
__________________
1980 Sekine RM-40 | 1990 Miyata 1000LT | 1980 Raleigh Sprite Mixte | 1979 Raleigh Grand Prix
1980 Sekine RM-40 | 1990 Miyata 1000LT | 1980 Raleigh Sprite Mixte | 1979 Raleigh Grand Prix
#13
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Originally Posted by jyossarian
remember that headwinds turn into tailwinds when you go home.
In the morning it is fairly calm, no help, then in the evening it blows in my face from the west.
I suppose there must be some people who work to the west of where they live. If any of them shared my route, I bet the wind would figure out a way to blow in opposite directions on opposite sides of the road. Or more likely it would just gust in random directions and settle for just pissing everyone off.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#14
Recumbent Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Posts: 2,991
Bikes: Rebel Cycles Trike, Trek 7500FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ride a recumbent trike with a front fairing.
What's this "wind" you speak of?
What's this "wind" you speak of?
#16
RIP Gonzo
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Imperial Beach, Ca(that's south San diego
Posts: 200
Bikes: 2001 Novara Randonee, 1991 Trek 8000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Im on the pac ocean coast for my whole commute. Cross winds EVERY day. Usually cross/head, except for two days ago, I had a tail/cross wind and took total advantage. On the 8 mile wide open part of the commute, I didnt drop below 21 mph, and at one point I was cruising on a flat at 26. I love tailwinds, especially since I battle the cross/headwind every day, Ive just gotten used to it. A tailwind for me is like going down a hill. Rare in these parts, but VERY nice to have nonetheless.
#17
Ex-Lion Tamer
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Posts: 1,152
Bikes: 1982 Lotus Legend (steel-frame touring bike); 1982 Fuji S10S (converted to a singlespeed: 46x16); Specialized Crossroads hybrid (the child taxi).
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The @#$&% wind killed me this morning.
I've gotten used to timing my entry onto First Avenue just in the end of the pack of cars that makes the light. First Avenue is five lanes wide, a straight shot up Manhattan. I can hang with these cars for four or five blocks, and then they pull away from me. And then it's car-free at about 19 mph for THIRTY BLOCKS, hitting all the green lights.
Except today, I kept ducking under yellow lights, and was finally caught at 14th Street. Not until I read this post did it hit me that it was the wind that slowed me down. I was thinking, Man, shouldn't I be getting stronger? Faster? So, I guess I owe thanks to the @#$&% wind. Today, at least.
I've gotten used to timing my entry onto First Avenue just in the end of the pack of cars that makes the light. First Avenue is five lanes wide, a straight shot up Manhattan. I can hang with these cars for four or five blocks, and then they pull away from me. And then it's car-free at about 19 mph for THIRTY BLOCKS, hitting all the green lights.
Except today, I kept ducking under yellow lights, and was finally caught at 14th Street. Not until I read this post did it hit me that it was the wind that slowed me down. I was thinking, Man, shouldn't I be getting stronger? Faster? So, I guess I owe thanks to the @#$&% wind. Today, at least.
#18
It's true, man.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: North Texas
Posts: 2,726
Bikes: Cannondale T1000, Inbred SS 29er, Supercaliber 29er, Crescent Mark XX, Burley Rumba Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Wind just IS. I'm learning to smile at it because I live in a really flat area, and it stands in for climbing. It makes me stronger, it improves my spin, and it gives me WAY too much pleasure to pass an aerobar-riding roadie on the way home.
Still - hearing the forecast this morning made the excuse gremlin's wheedling a bit more strident.
Headwind with 30mph gusts this evening... :|
Still - hearing the forecast this morning made the excuse gremlin's wheedling a bit more strident.
Headwind with 30mph gusts this evening... :|
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Think of it as a training aid.
I also find enjoying these roadblocks to be less stressful than getting pissed. Relish your challenges. The only exception is when the wind is so strong that I could potentially get in an accident.
Still, I enjoy hills more than wind. For an odd reason, hills are more predictable and do actually end.
I also find enjoying these roadblocks to be less stressful than getting pissed. Relish your challenges. The only exception is when the wind is so strong that I could potentially get in an accident.
Still, I enjoy hills more than wind. For an odd reason, hills are more predictable and do actually end.
#20
Prefers Cicero
Originally Posted by sharrison
I'm new to bike commuting, so I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing, snow, hail, or torrential downpours yet ... but I think I already know that my worst enemy will turn out to be @#$&% wind!!!!
If you have to ride over any bridges or overpasses out there in Burlington, be aware you can be blown right over the side in bad gusts.
#21
Bike Junkie
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Posts: 1,620
Bikes: 2013 Orange Brompton M3L; 2006 Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Fixie (Eddy Orange); 2022 Surly Cross Check, Black
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
1 Post
What u guys complainin about wind for? I love wind!...
#22
Senior Member
I'm not sure who said it, but someone on BF had a good way to think of it. Wind is like traffic to the cyclist. You can't get around it, so just downshift, sit back and enjoy the ride.
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Burlington, ON
Posts: 258
Bikes: 2006 Trek 7.3 FX, 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa, Batavus Entrada, MEC Origami Folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by cooker
Yeah it was windy in southern Ontario yesterday. I park outside an office tower and the turbulence was wicked as I was loading up last evening. One time I came out to eat my lunch at a picnic table out front on a windy day and there was a women with waist length hair and it was blowing straight up.
If you have to ride over any bridges or overpasses out there in Burlington, be aware you can be blown right over the side in bad gusts.
If you have to ride over any bridges or overpasses out there in Burlington, be aware you can be blown right over the side in bad gusts.
{Edited to add another gripe: I noticed when I check the weather forecasts that the winds seem to be calm during the middle of the night. Is this a changing of the seasons phenomenon? Or is winter going to be even more interesting?}
Last edited by Bike-a-Boo; 09-21-06 at 09:40 AM.
#25
It's true, man.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: North Texas
Posts: 2,726
Bikes: Cannondale T1000, Inbred SS 29er, Supercaliber 29er, Crescent Mark XX, Burley Rumba Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by WorldWind
my ears are burning
snortle