planning a loop for wind
 

I'm using mapmyride to plot a 9 mile loop.

Given a definite prevailing wind how would you plan?

Narrow for cross-cross.
Narrow for into-with? With-into?

Square?

Would this change for cold vs hot weather?

I find into the wind very tedious. Is that inevitable or noobness.

thanks in advance

Nine miles is not much riding.
Switch directions each lap.

+1

Or do a square loop, then a narrow loop into the the wind, then another narrow loop to get the crosswind ... and then change direction and do them all the other way.



OP, why a 9 mile loop? Are you hosting a TT?

Yes? It's inevitable that you'll ride into the wind. Sometimes, even, you'll ride uphill. There's no point whatsoever trying to plan for the wind.

But, the correct answer is a pentagon.

I always plan to have the wind at my back. It never works out that way.

If you don't like INTO the wind, then plan narrow with a cross-wind.

hmm, i was thinking a rhombus would work well.

OP, wind is something even the most experienced cyclists hate. but there isn't much you can do about it besides get in the drops and chug on!

I may sound like a total poseur, but I sometimes do plan some of my common loops according to the wind. Obviously, there is no way to avoid it, but I will sometimes plan it so that I finish with the wind - it's fun to have a boost towards the end after you've been working against the wind ... get the worst over first, etc.

Sometimes I plan so I'm in more sheltered areas when going against the wind to reduce the effect a little.

Sometimes I (here's the poseur part) plan so I'm going with the wind in the stretches I'm most visible to traffic so as to think I'm lookin' good to the onlookers (not likely though - I'm in my 50s and have chicken legs).

I know, I know, embrace the wind, it will make you stronger. But at my age, I'm not a racer and just ride for fun and fitness, mostly fun. Plus there are a good plenty of tough hills on every single ride I do, so I get plenty of difficulty, thank you very much.

I take a look at a flag that's visible from my office parking lot during my noon rides, and sometimes plan accordingly. There are several loops I can choose ranging from about 12 miles to 35 and more. Other times I just don't give a crap either way.

Head into the wind going out and come home with it at your back.

Noobness. There's nothing quite like doing intervals into a stiff breeze to build up strength, endurance and a deep sense of self-loathing and despair. Road cycle training at its best.