Coping with wind!

[Globalti]

I ride more slowly when heading into the wind because any extra effort is wasted on the exponential increase in drag and I know that my average speed will recover on the down-wind sector of the ride.

I also persuade Mrs Gti to drop me somewhere upwind (usually Blackpool) or collect me downwind (Settle) in exchange for a bribe of a hot chocolate and a scone. Doing a one-way ride downwind is good for the spirit because you feel like a riding God and you can ride your nuts off knowing you don't have to return, so the ride becomes even faster and more fun.

You might even be able to use the train for the same strategy.

 

[MattHB]

Wind is just a hill in gaseous form

With no summit

 

[screenman]

Wuzzez!

 

[Alan57]

Been in quite a few strong gusting headwinds going across the moors , some that have made me struggle to go forward but I struggle through it. The worst for me are the sideways winds coming off of the moors especially when riding on the main road , have to really hold onto the bars to keep the bike in a straight line and upright . It`s not always obvious when at home until I get up the hill out of the village and onto the moor . On my mtb it`s ok because I just avoid the road , road bike is a whole other game though .

 

[black'n'yellow]

The fitter you get the less the wind effects.

Not sure how that would work. Does the wind go around you when you reach a certain fitness level..? If so, then I obviously haven't reached it yet...

 

[MattHB]

Not sure how that would work. Does the wind go around you when you reach a certain fitness level..? If so, then I obviously haven't reached it yet...

If you get thinner you present a smaller frontal area?

 

[black'n'yellow]

If you get thinner you present a smaller frontal area?

not by much...

 

[MattHB]

not by much...

No not by much at all.. I think the concept is probably based around the fact that the fitter you are the longer you can survive for, I know for me at least the increase in my fitness meant I can survive headwinds (and climbs) for a whole lot longer.

 

[black'n'yellow]

No not by much at all.. I think the concept is probably based around the fact that the fitter you are the longer you can survive for, I know for me at least the increase in my fitness meant I can survive headwinds (and climbs) for a whole lot longer.

I think realistically, you can survive for as long as you can sustain whatever effort you are making. In that sense, wind treats everyone on a pretty equal basis...

 

[MattHB]

I think realistically, you can survive for as long as you can sustain whatever effort you are making. In that sense, wind treats everyone on a pretty equal basis...

Yeah but I can survive the extra wattage needed to go into a 15mph headwind much better now than a year ago, because I'm fitter than I was then.

 

[Superdude]

My mum used to tell me that i am like a donkey because wind really gets me in a bad mood. And i still hate it nowadays.

 

[slowmotion]

If you get thinner you present a smaller frontal area?

I suppose you could try turning your torso sideways and exhaling. It might just work.

 

[billy1561]

I don't mind the wind. I just drop into an easier gear and don't try and fight it too much. Also if I'm out on a pleasure ride i try to head into the wind first. Wind is still better than rain imo.

 

[MattHB]

I don't mind the wind. I just drop into an easier gear and don't try and fight it too much. Also if I'm out on a pleasure ride i try to head into the wind first. Wind is still better than rain imo.

noooooooooo!

it can be lovely riding in the rain so long as you have the right kit.. its never lovely riding in a headwind!

 

[billy1561]

noooooooooo!

it can be lovely riding in the rain so long as you have the right kit.. its never lovely riding in a headwind!

Nah disagree Matt. Far worse being wrapped in boil in the bag gear and being wet inside and out. Doesn't matter what the outer breathable layers are if you sweat you get wet. Give me wind anyday. Prefer no wind at all and blazing sun if i;m honest