How do you keep a straight line with 40mph gusts?
 

High: 14°C
Low: -3°C
Wind: 24mph (38.4km/h)
Gusts: 40mph (64km/h)
Direction: 280° (W)
Humidity: 65%

Seriously warm day today... Couldn't miss out on it, so I took a nice 50km ride along the Lakeshore.
Now I knew it was windy with 25km of brutal head wind and 25km of just fun, but I nearly bit the dust 3 times because of the gusts coming from the side while changing gears.
DT shifters suck when you have to keep both hands on the bars just to keep the bike upright.

So the question is, how do you keep a straight line (relatively) in these winds? I was getting blown across the entire lane I was in. Stay tucked in the drops? More upper body strength?

Good winds today, eh? I just tucked into my aero position, and held on for dear life. It's a challenge that I don't think you will find an easy solution to.

At 40 mph, I doubt there is much that you can do to stay in a straight line. If gusts are more than 30 mph then I tend to feel unsafe and I don't enjoy the ride that much.

There really isn't anyway to ride in a straight line with that kind of wind

You don't. You HTFU and swerve a lot.

Next question.

You nutter!
I live relatively close to the lake, and the winds today were mental. I still remember nearly getting blown off a bridge while riding a while back (low guardrails, some poor guy got killed this way around a year later), so stayed home today.

It was windy directly across the lake from you guys too, with about the same gusts. I just stuck to the deserted farm roads and took the whole lane. I didn't have shifting problems, but I almost had a bottle blow out of my hand. It was a great day!

Relax and lean.

Windy days blow.

Had the same weather coming home from work today. I cut my ride short when I saw cows and chickens fly by. Rather unsafe, with overcompensating being a big factor. Relax and lean, that's basically it. Take the lane from cars who may not be able to give you a wide berth.

LOL !!

I will second the good winds; at times, I had to work to go down some pretty steep hills today, spots that are normally quite fast.

Well, I started off at about 1:30pm and ended at 4pm, so I think I missed the worst of it.
As for being nuts, I couldn't agree more. :)
It was either this warm wind, or cold snow.
I was leaning into the wind, but wasn't relaxed, I'll try that next time. Only hard part is shifting DT shifters in this wind. Hopefully my CAAD9 will be ready soon.

I did this path: 25km both ways
got lost and wandered a good 6km, but found my way back.

sign of weakness?

Lucky you!

By the time I got home from work the temps had dropped back down to 6c and the sporadic rain had started, not to mention the 40km/h winds were still around. So, off to the trainer I went once again!

Looks like today might be the day and tomorrow too....

Spring is in the air!!!

>>How do you keep a straight line with 40mph gusts?<<

I will tell you after my 26 mi TT bike test flight today. And with the winds here today, the term 'flight' might not be a euphemism after all.

I went through the same temps yesterday but being in NH I was just so darn happy that it wasnt snowing I went out anyway.
The first 15 miles had me going 22.5 with no effort, I knew I was in trouble and should of made it short, but how else am I ever going to feel like Im that fast?:D so I enjoyed it, when I turned around I was practicly knocked off my bike by the cross wind. I had to get off for a few and then got the wind head on and it was like I was standing still not going anywhere!
I was enjoying the 60 degrees so I didnt care! but wow... it was a wiggly ride.

Partially correct.

They suck and blow at the same time!

impossible
 

How do you keep a straight line with 40mph gusts?

One doesn't...not even the Pros.

40 mph gusts? I ride in anything, but with wind that high, it just isn't fun. I'd go for a run instead.