Originally Posted by
FBinNY
Ridden against may be stretching the definition of "riding", but I've fought headwinds over 40mph with some gusts above that. Actually, IME strong crosswinds, especially gusty ones are much more of a problem then steady headwinds (if you don't mind feeling like you're climbing the Alps).
I was out on a gravel century last June (Westside Dirty Benjamin) with winds over 40 mph and gusts near 60 mph. Since it was a figure-8 route, we got to ride into the wind, with the wind, and fight with the crosswinds. It was very challenging, I recall fighting the cross-winds and looking up the line of riders in front of me and it looked like everyone was leaning 15* into this wind. It was so gusty and unpredictable, causing a lot of left-right movement to keep balanced. I recall making a turn and getting that wind at my back, thinking this will be so much better... not really, it was too strong to really 'enjoy' the push.
I've been struggling the crosswinds this week. I just converted from my winter bikes (26" MTB and fatbike) to my summer commuter bike (Kona Dew Drop). The crosswinds are making me feel unstable. Anybody have pointers for keeping balance in a crosswind?