STP & wind
04-02-09, 07:49 PM
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STP & wind
I have been reading on the STP threads that there could be a lot of headwind on the ride. To date, I have been able to find one site that maps current and forecasted wind speed and direction for sailors.
https://www.sailflow.com/
It is great for mapping the Portland, Columbia River area, plus the coastal areas of WA. It also maps the areas around Seattle & Tacoma. I haven't found any site that maps and forecasts winds along the STP route between Olympia and Longview. Anybody know of any sites that map this area?
https://www.sailflow.com/
It is great for mapping the Portland, Columbia River area, plus the coastal areas of WA. It also maps the areas around Seattle & Tacoma. I haven't found any site that maps and forecasts winds along the STP route between Olympia and Longview. Anybody know of any sites that map this area?
Last edited by VaultGuru; 04-02-09 at 07:51 PM. Reason: Wrong forum
04-02-09, 08:45 PM
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You might be able to find something from NOAA -
https://www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=sew
The most I found, though, was the highest wind speed and its direction.
From my experience in 2007 and 2008, there was at most a moderate tailwind/sidewind heading south to Longview in 2007, and a nice tailwind up to Portland. Last year, along with the heat, there was a nice -- 10/15mph -- tailwind on the southbound leg.
The "usual" summer wind direction in western Washington is probably from the NW. Along the Columbia, it's either upriver or downriver. I think upriver, in the afternoon, is more common.
https://www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=sew
The most I found, though, was the highest wind speed and its direction.
From my experience in 2007 and 2008, there was at most a moderate tailwind/sidewind heading south to Longview in 2007, and a nice tailwind up to Portland. Last year, along with the heat, there was a nice -- 10/15mph -- tailwind on the southbound leg.
The "usual" summer wind direction in western Washington is probably from the NW. Along the Columbia, it's either upriver or downriver. I think upriver, in the afternoon, is more common.
04-02-09, 09:29 PM
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Thanks Moleman. I kept thinking that since pacelines are so prevalent, there would be headwinds all the way.
04-02-09, 10:37 PM
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Pacelines are prevalent because, with zillions of riders on the road, it's almost impossible to avoid 'em!
Mole's correct. The late afternoon wind is almost always out of the Northwest. We have a time trial here in Vancouver that goes out and back along the Columbia, right across from Highway 30. The outbound leg is a slog- inbound you feel like Superman with that 10mph (minimum) wind at your back.
Happy STP'ing!
Mole's correct. The late afternoon wind is almost always out of the Northwest. We have a time trial here in Vancouver that goes out and back along the Columbia, right across from Highway 30. The outbound leg is a slog- inbound you feel like Superman with that 10mph (minimum) wind at your back.
Happy STP'ing!
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04-03-09, 09:00 AM
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The prevalent winds in the summer come from the north/northwest. The STP takes some turns, so, naturally you'll get some wind from the side or a bit of a head wind.
If there's a wind from the south, usually means a storm is coming in, summer or winter.
If there's a wind from the south, usually means a storm is coming in, summer or winter.
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04-03-09, 09:56 AM
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Thanks to all of you for the input and also the info on the reason for paceline formation. I'm used to the Death Ride, so the STP will be a new, and enjoyable experience. In the DR, it is really tough to form a uphill paceline at 6-7mph. And, nobody wants to form one on the screaming descents.
