Is the wind really a factor?

[Easytigers]

Went out on my usual 'weekend route' today (I know it's Thursday but I'm on holiday). Was v windy. Got home and my wife said that I looked knackered (thanks!). Thing was that I definitely was more tired even though it took me about the same time as normal. I started to tell my wife that it was windy and that was why it had taken more out of me when I got to thinking...It's a circular route. Sure it was v hard on the way back home but when leaving I was cruising, making awesome time with the wind behind me.
So is it just a mental thing, thinking that the wind made it hard? Or, is it actually the same as you get a helping hand on the way out then have to battle against the wind on the way back (or vice-versa)?
Glad to hear your thoughts...

 

[Strathlubnaig]

damn right it is, and a tail wind never seems to make up for a head wind either.

 

[smokeysmoo]

It's definitely a help/hindrance. I'd rather get wet than ride in wind TBH, hate it, and usually no matter which way you turn you're always riding into the feckin' wind

 

[MattHB]

As wind resistance accounts for about 80% of the energy required to propel yourself forward, yes a huge amount.

Have a look at this site, very interesting. http://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/aerodynamics1.html

Scary when you put figures into the calculator

 

[Easytigers]

Thanks MattHB...just had a look. Wonder how much the mental element comes into it???

 

[cyberknight]

When your cycling down hill into a headwind and your slowing down you know it makes a difference .

 

[Pauluk]

As wind resistance accounts for about 80% of the energy required to propel yourself forward, yes a huge amount.

I presume its why race teams take turns to go in front or stay behind, so they can take their share of air resistance or be protected from it.

 

[MrJamie]

Its crazy the difference wind resistance makes, especially the faster you get. On my hybrid if i lean right down like with my chin on the bars, I go so much faster than sat upright and momentum seems to last so much longer without the wind to slow you down. It definitely doesn't cancel out though because the relationship between windspeed and resistance is something like speed cubed, so into a headwind the relative windspeed gets very fast and the drag increases rapidly, ie. the difference caused relative windspeed increase of 15-25mph is much greater than is saved by 15-5mph. I think thats right anyway

 

[ianrauk]

friggin wind.. I can handle the heaviest downpours no problem, blazing hot sun, even snow... but that bugger headwind is always a kiler.

 

[roadrash]

tailwinds are myth and legend

 

[Hip Priest]

It's a massive factor.

 

[Hip Priest]

tailwinds are myth and legend

Correct.

There are headwinds and there are days on which you're exceptionally good. That's it.

 

[snorri]

The wind has been described as the hill with no summit.

 

[ianrauk]

The wind has been described as the hill with no summit.

First time I have heard that and it's spot on...

 

[compo]

Most of my routes are circular of varying lengths. I never really understand how I get head winds all the way round.