Originally Posted by
GlennR
It's been rather windy here for the past week or two. Wind speeds in the 8-15mph with gusts up to 20mph. So today the wind was 21mph with gusts to 31mph and I decided to go out anyway. Heading into it was a slog... like dragging a truck tire behind me. With a tailwind I was riding 50% faster. And then the crosswind was an experience. I was on a nice 3% downhill doing 32mph when I passed the golf course and even with the "grip of death" on the bars I got blown 3' to the left and just glad there ware no cars passing me.
So.. when is too much wind?
I find gusts are more dangerous than wind itself. Heading into the wind is a PITA that makes you feel like a snail, but gusts can throw you off the bike or put you in dangerous situations. The 30mph gusts sounds like my absolute limit.
If it's really windy and I want to ride badly, I prefer to ride the mountain bike and choose a route that goes in areas that are more sheltered and less windy if possible.