Machka - in my part of Indiana, it takes a good headwind to turn our sorry-excuse-for hills into anything approaching real climbing challenges. Yesterday on my mid-day getaway loop of 18 miles, I went straight into about 20-25 mph for half the ride. It was hard, it was daunting, it was even humiliating - but it was a GREAT workout! And - when I turned to ride with the wind, I felt what it was like to cruise along at 25 mph like the pros do when they're takin' it easy. So... I love to hate the wind.

One thing about the wind, though: Unlike a hill, the wind takes more from you when you ride into it than it gives back when you're with it. Don't know why - but that's how it always seems.