Advice for riding in strong winds?
 

I'm about to head out, but the wind has gone mad this morning. We are experiencing gusts of 45 to 50mph. I really don't want the wind to throw me into traffic, that is my biggest concern. Thoughts?

You just have to get experience in doing it. I find I can hold a line pretty well even in gusty winds, but I couldn't always.

In the mean time, try to avoid roads that have no bike lane or shoulder, have narrow lanes and that have lots of traffic.

Lucky I only I about 3 miles to cover, the road has a shoulder so I'll take it slow at first and build from there.

Stay home / take public transpo / drive? Seriously, 50mph winds and bikes don't mix.

I agree, and try to avoid high wind days.

In strong cross winds, one thing to keep in mind is anything that momentarily blocks the wind (a large truck, or a wall of any sort) will cause you to get blasted once it passes, or you pass it, pushing you off line. Be aware and plan ahead for this.

I have on occasion unclipped my down wind foot (but still kept it on the pedal) and slowed to a speed where I felt I could catch myself if neccessary.

There's a couple of issues here. The first being the issue of "wind blast," e.g., being able to hold your line ina strong crosswind or a blast of air from a large vehicle like a truck or bus passing you. The secret here is to keep a good grip (and both hands) on the bars to keep the bike tracking along your desired line. The bike will want to "weathervane" downwind, so a slight lean into the wind will help counteract that.

The second is power to the pedals... Wind resistance from a head or cross wind is going to cause you to burn more energy. Drafting usually isn't an option for a commuter, so think of it like a climb... gear down to an easy gear and spin.

You'll also feel colder from the wind chill... so a good windproof outer layer and gloves are going to help. In a pinch, you can put a couple sheets of newspaper inside your jacket or jersey for extra insulation.

You do get used to it. I don't even think about it anymore, but sometimes I do pay attention to what my subconscious is doing and it's kind of cool how it countersteers AHEAD of wind blasts, like when approaching the edge of a building or when a truck passes and the wind resumes.

Ride downwind.

I like wind.

I sometimes pass wind but it depends on what I eat before a ride.

WALK! My wife and I always walk when a Nor'easter blows through. You have to remember that cars (and especially trucks) have a hard time driving in high winds, so even if you can hold your line there's a chance they can't. I walk, and whenever we see an oncoming vehicle, we step off the road and let it go by. It takes a while to get home, but at least you're not taking unnecessary risks.

BTW, that blizzard is hitting us today, so my wife and I left the bikes at home and walked in.

Even Jimmy London would leave the bike at home.

I got pushed through an intersection Sunday for the 1st time ever, it was a big gust from behind and it caught my daughter's trailer that I was pulling and gave me a big ol' shove. Obviously I don't know what that specific gust was but we were getting 30+ mph gusts that weekend. Lot of trees down on Monday.

I wouldn't head out in that strong of wind. Aside from being pushed around, there will probably be a lot of debris blowing around. I'd rather be in a cage getting hit with a palm frond at 50 mph than on my bike.

Uh, it's 11 miles home from work. I'll stay with the bike. It'd take me 3 hours to walk home.

Yeah walking may be an option for some but not all.

I use to live in Lubbock, TX where it is always windy and eventually got use to it.

Like it was said above its not constant wind that you really need to worry about, its the gusts. youll learn to lean to counteract the strong gusts.

I actually just got back from a trip to the grocery store. 12 miles round trip. The route to the grocery store was ALL headwind, with gusts up to 50mph.

Losing control isn't as big an issue as you might think. I was fine, and it was fun. But I will say this: keep at least one hand on your handlebars at all times. Even if you're riding with the tailwind, a sudden gust to your side can throw you over if you're riding hands-free.

Another bit of advice, be prepared to crawl in your lowest gears in headwind. Those headwind gusts are brutal.

Be careful about a strong cross-wind from the left. You'll naturally be leaning your bike to the left to balance and if a large vehicle comes by, quickly and temporarily blocking the wind, it could cause your leaning bike to go left toward the vehicle. Be ready to adjust your balance during and after the vehicle passes. (If riding on the left-side of the road, switch out left for right.)

ride with the wind to your back. It is much easier that way!

Just kidding! I would stay home especially if you are riding with traffic. I remember that there was a winds of about 30 mph and I constantly had to lean into the wind. I was pretty sure I was leaning at least 45 degrees to stay upright. I was ever knocked into a car once. Good thing we were at a stoplight. It was funny because the driver wasnt even mad that I ran into his car. He just had this strange look that said "I feel sorry for you."

If the winds are very strong around here I just ride on the sidewalk and take quiet residential streets with little traffic.

Your not talking about the Jimmy London at forest park are you? Or are you talking about the reggae musician?

I made it safe! It was not as difficult as I expected. As some suggested I leaned into the wind and was cautious. Before I left I posted this because I saw what the wind was doing to the tree in the front yard...It looked like it was going to split in half and end up in my living room! I have a good 1/2 mile ride in a residential area before I hit the main street, so that gave me some time to become comfortable. It was one heck of an experience!

I ride in winds like that here in Great Falls. My only advice is just keeping pedaling. Besides, you get there really fast in the other direction.

Much over 50 mph. Don't... even 40-50 is a challenge.

I have found that tilting my head into the wind allows me to use it as a sort of rudder, and it allows me to postpone having to physically lean and steer into the wind, up to a certain point of wind speed that is. In the conditions you are talking about; lean into it and like people said look ahead for things that can change the wind conditions around you so you do not steer off course if the wind is suddenly blocked or shifted.

As others have said, you'll get used to it. Experience and muscle memory will kick in and you'll have added another useful skill to your commuter skill set. Strong head and cross winds are par for the course here in the Bay Area, so I don't even think anything of them much any more.

I did fine, I just never rode in conditions like this...So I was a little nervous. It was a good experience, now I know I can manage the strong winds. Like you said adds to my skill set!

I was trying to catch a tail wind...but all cross today. People were looking at me like I was crazy! Then again I am a little bit!

You know what really sucks is when the wind shifts and you have to fight it, both going out and on the return trip!

Jimmy London the St Louis handball stalwart.

That is too funny....I Know that guy!!! He was real good at one time then he just went nuts! Holy Crap. You know Dave Chapman too? He is fun to see play! Great player! 8 time world champ.


Just asking...Where do you know Jimmy from? I know he tours..but just messes with people.