flippin_bikes

It has been abnormally windy the past month and it has made me realize how being 6'1" and 250+ lbs does not lend itself to being able to cheat the wind. Everytime I go for a ride, I feel like nature is conspiring against me. This afternoon, it was 95 degrees and my wife and I went into a movie and when we got out we were shocked that it had cooled off nearly 30 degrees. Such is spring in Texas where the weather can change very quickly. It just took me by surprise since it was already starting to get really hot early this Spring, so I was mentally preparing myself for a long, hot summer.

So, I got home and decided that I could not pass up getting to ride around with the temperatures in the low 60s in the middle of the afternoon. I knew the wind was going to suck and it did not disappoint. I did 30 miles last weekend with 20 mph sustained and 30 mph gusts and it was brutal, but today the winds were closer to 25-30 sustained. On top of that, I decided to ride my single speed which also sits me more upright. I have never felt so much resistance on a bike. It literally felt like someone was holding on to my bike as I pulled against them all the while riding through mud with a flat tire and my brakes dragging.

It ended up being a really good ride because of my route that I took. I have a way to get in about 10 miles and the route constantly changes directions. So, I go from slow, heavy cranking to a low resistance, fast cadence. It felt good alternating between the two. I got home and did a nice mile and a half cooldown walk with the wife and dog. What a great way to wrap up the weekend. Now to enjoy some grilled chicken, healthy recipe potato salad, and some hummus. Under 250 here I come!

engstrom

Good description of what it's like riding into a stiff wind. One of the many reasons I hate wind. But strangely I like hills - mind you I'm not good at hills, but I like the challenge they represent.

Sayre Kulp 

Last Labor Day weekend, my brother and I were performing up in Rochester, NY, so naturally we took the bikes along so we could sneak in a ride or two. We rode to Lake Ontario one morning and the wind was exactly as you described it. I never worked so bloody hard to go 6-8 miles per hour in my life! It was like I was trying to ride into a mob of people who were just pushing me backwards! And you would think that if you rode out into the strongest headwind of your life, the ride back should be easy, right? WRONG! The winds shifted and we rode into a STRONGER headwind on the way back to the hotel! Maybe I'm crazy, but I'd swear the wind has gotten stronger over the past year.

flippin_bikes

I am with you on the hills. It feels good to see the hill and attack it and then to come over the crown of the hill going as fast as you were before you started up. There are some hills where I am that I cannot do this yet, but it gives me great motivation to keep trying and practicing some one day I can be king of the mountain (or mole hill for others who are at a much higher fitness level).

The thing I hate about wind is that you can't see it and a strong gust will plain knock you flat on your behind without any warning. Hills are at least something you can prepare for and drop a gear or two or three to deal with it if you are riding a geared bike. My single speed has made me a much stronger rider, particularly on hills, in a pretty short amount of time. It helps you keep the mindset that you don't need to shift down at much or at all to get up a hill. I think you can become complacent riding a geared bike such that you automatically rely too heavily on being able to down shift when the road turns vertical. That is why I like alternating between riding my road bike and my single speed. Tomorrow will hopefully make for some nice riding if it isn't raining because the winds are supposed to die off a little. I'd love to enjoy another nice, cool ride before the reality of the approaching summer sets back in.

FrenchFit 

I have a 46 inch chest and feel like a windsurfing sail in the wind. But, I'm making my piece with it, figuring ... like hills, my strength and bike handling skills improve by just dealing with it. If you can pick your route, the tailwind on the way back is a blast. And, all the pace line roadies seem to be: staying home.

BHOFM

We have had a lot of wind this year, much more than last year this time.
There is nothing we can do about. I get out and ride and just adjust my
gear to keep going at a decent pace. Yes, it slows me down and wears
me out, but I ride just the same!

And there are times that no matter what way I go, I have a head wind.

Also, tight fitting shirts help some. I wear two t shirts when it is just a
bit cool.

bbeck

I rode the same route the last few days and yesterday going down the ridge in a headwind, I was peddling steady to maintain 13 mph. Today without the wind I was coasting @ 32.