Higher wind velocity- what can you ride safely?

I know this is a question loaded with so many variables, but let's say you were cycling on a path/bike lane or road route that was quiet and wide enough. And there was no rain, snow nor ice.

What is the highest wind velocity that you know you can safely cycle for an hr. or less? And I mean a headwind or cross-wind?

I think around 40 km./hr. winds is my near my limit. I have cycled occasionally in 50 km. / hr. winds but it's not pleasant to me.And especially not when I'm cycling over a long elevated road bridge or along a ridge along a valley with no barrier around me.

*********I have determined that much as I dislike headwinds, I prefer the exhausting headwinds vs. cross winds at those wind speeds, where I have occasionally gotten shifted around.

Of course last year, I had the scariest experience of cycling in 70+ km./hr. winds. It truly was a windstorm that knocked out office tower glass windows, trees, etc.

I don't know how strong the crosswinds were today but we were riding by the lake at Georgetown, Co and the crosswinds were so strong I had to get off the bike. I literally could not stay upright and walking wasn't much better. There were huge puffs of sand from a parking lot being blown across the road. I turned around and headed back. Bigger riders stated it was the smart thing to do.

That area is always windy but it was the worst I've seen. Stronger riders ahead of us bailed farther up the pass because the wind was even worse.

I've ridden in some pretty strong headwinds which don't bother me as much as crosswinds.

The year I did Ride the Rockies here in Colorado a strong crosswind blew me off the road and down into the woods. The experience didn't bother me but freaked out my friend riding behind me.

I'd say the winds today definitely weren't safe for me.

Today's almanac from weather underground listed wind speeds as 18 mph and gust up to 30 mph. Gusts were probably higher by the lake.

My upper limit is about the same as yours -- 25 - 30 mph sustained. I agree headwinds are much easier to deal with than crosswinds.

I would find 70 km. sustained scary and difficult, but could probably do it if I had to -- as you obviously did.

Pam @70 km./hr. winds (which is 43 miles/hr.), I actually stopped at least 10 times for a 10 km. bike ride. I just couldn't hold myself up in the wind on bike.

Kathi, I can't imagine being blown down off the bike...

15 yrs. ago I seldom thought much about wind velocity and just rode along bullishly, gripping my handlebars and digging in deep. (And thanked my stars that I had pannier weight to keep me grounded a bit.)

But now, I tend to be conscious of higher winds when cycling.

That day on Ride the Rockies a 200 lb rider almost got blown off the road, he was on the downhill side of the pass. Fortunately, I ended up sagging the windiest part of the route. I've ridden in crosswinds in N. Dakota where I feel like a drunken sailor, weaving in and out.

I thought we had strong winds in the midwest where I'm from but they're nothing like what we have here. Last week I got cranky just from the wind blowing around the house.

A pretty good way to estimate wind speed.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kathi

I thought we had strong winds in the midwest where I'm from but they're nothing like what we have here. Last week I got cranky just from the wind blowing around the house.

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I'm from the midwest too, and I've *never* seen wind like we have here. I get irritable too - when its blowing like it has been the last month, it starts to feel like someone's just poking at you with a stick to be annoying. Especially when its not accompanied by a storm coming in.

Crosswind is scary.
I don't know the speed, but on my last windy ride I thought I'd fall, cars were moving erratically and tumbleweeds, trash and other debris were blowing all around. I don't care to repeat that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

A pretty good way to estimate wind speed.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale

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That is really interesting - thanks! I think a lot of times people overestimate wind. I'd almost say that it feels stronger when you are riding a bike than walking because you're so much more vulnerable to its effects.

I know I can manage gusts up to 80 km/hour, because I survived a time trial in those conditions many years ago. Slowest time trial ever - one young participant sat in the ditch and cried after it took her 2.5 hours to complete it.

It averages 15-25 here often and I can't stand it. I hate winds. Being a larger cyclist, I'd rather have a cross than head wind. I feel like I'm slowed to a snails pace in head winds no matter how hard I push. I had to stop yesterday one time because I pedaled so hard I was getting a pain in my side and I was slowed to a near stop. I sometimes wonder what cars that pass me think-watching me sluice through the air so awkwardly.