TJHOO

Is anyone aware of any safety guidelines for group rides WRT wind?
Eg, what wind speed are folks comfortable riding in a group (paceline)?:
-sustained speed < x
-gust speed < x

I lead weekly road rides with up to 50 people. Main concerns in the wind are being blown into one another or into a car's path.

Sprocket_Jockey

It will depend on the skill level of the group.

merlinextraligh

+1. I rode with agroup last week,that wasn't very safe in a dead calm. On the other hand have done road races with a nice echelon set up with 25-30mph winds, with no problem.

If you don't overlap wheels,thewind shouldn't make much difference. If you do overlap wheels,then any crosswind that's enough to move abike a few inches could be a big problem.

So I think the key is don't overlap wheels,and make sure the group unerstands the group's protocal regarding which side you pull off of the paceline (whcih should be into the wind, but most non racing groups just always pull off to the left regardless of wind direction.)

TJHOO

I'm supposed to lead a 70 mile ride tomorrow. This groups avg pace 17-19 for frame of reference.
Weather forecast is for winds sustained 15-25mph, gusts 45mph. I can emphasize the importance of not overlapping wheels. Would still be concerned about someone being blown into a car's path by a sudden gust. What do you think?

GuitarWizard

Wow...the near 50 mph gusts could get a bit dicey with a group of people that large. However....I'm sure there will be some people who won't show up, but you'll still get your group of people who think they're hardcore but can't handle a bike to save their lives, and may cause problems.

I've ridden in those types of conditions, but the wind gusts were around 35 mph to 40 max, and headwinds for the most part (seem to rarely get crosswinds here). I would:

A) discourage anyone with deep aero wheels from riding
B) stress single file, even with a crosswind....unless of course you have the luxury of riding on roads with no cars. With a constant 25 mph wind, riders won't be able to hear cars behind then nearly as well. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable riding in an echelon of a large group of riders in which probably at least half may have questionable bike handling skills to begin with.
C) no overlapping of wheels
D) cut down the distance, as people get tired and weary, they may be too tired to deal with the wind and can lead to mishaps

botto 

speed and the ability to ride in a group have nothing to do with one another, i.e. triathletes.

i'd be more worried about the group knocking each other over.

SaabFan

+1. If someone's weak enough that a little wind is gonna blow them into a car's path, then they shouldn't be in a group ride.

Make extra sure people aren't overlapping wheels, and you'll be set.

TJHOO

Our route has us going over 2 bridges (eg 1/2 mile each) which go North/South. Wind is to be from West. Cross wind of 45 mph on a bridge with minimal room for car to maneuver could be dangerous??

We could switch to a diff cue.

munkyv22

Gusting to 45? I would probbaly ride the trainer at that point. If not, at the very least alone. A paceline in those winds is.... dangerous.

botto 

if the bridges are that tight, and there's 50 of you, then just fill the lane and let the cars wait/ride behind you until you cross.

zacster

Sounds like a good day for an extra cup of coffee and a bagel. And afternoon football. We're having that kind of weather in NY today and that's what I'm doing.

Markedoc

Ditto - HEAVY rain and 50-60 mph winds here today .. can you say "CompuTrainer"?

ken cummings

Can you just change the route to reduce crosswinds or to only have crosswinds on quiet roads? When I think of going over a high bridge in a strong cross wind I think of the old Tacoma Narrows bridge that got blown apart. Have special high wind routes

Sprocket_Jockey

FIVE ONE SIX

it's supposed to be bad tomorrow too, with winds in the 25-35mph range, and gusts hitting up to 50mph.

i'm going to ride the 50 mile club ride though...

honestly, i'm not really that worried about the winds, since there will probably only be less than 10 riders. i'm more worried about the debrit that those winds usually blow onto the road...

Jarery

Problem I've had previous with bridges and strong cross winds, is when going across and leaning into the wind in order to go straight, then having a semi go by and instantly removing the wind, causing you to turn into the traffic.

Just be aware of it and it shouldnt catch people by surprise.

TJHOO

Ride went just fine today. Winds in low 20's. Everyone home safe and sound. Thanks for your input

cc_rider

2 bridges, eh. Was that a Potomac double cross?

Today's winds along the river from National Airport to Mount Vernon were not bad. But I got slammed with headwinds when I cut across to Lorton.

TJHOO

Yes. Harpers Ferry and Brunswick. Nice 68 miler.
Fair amt debris in the roads from wind the prior day.

Greg180

The wind in my area moderated during the day but still had significant gusts. Almost got blown over on a bridge overpass. The real issue was all the debris, Limbs large and small. Roads covered in wet leaves and those da$m pine needles that gathered along the shoulder in depths up to six inches. I hate making the call whether to dodge the cars or ride the needle.

oboeguy

We had sustained 25mph winds today for a six-person mini double paceline with no real trouble.