Second time-update

[Medianox]

Wednesday I rode to work for the second time...going in was delightful. It was nice and cool, no traffic and no problems.
I'm a nurse (ICU) and work 12 hour shifts so I have been a little worried about riding home after being on my feet all day. Yesterday however, was an easy day at work so I wasn't very tired at all and decided to stick to the plan instead of calling DH for a pick up.
Well, I changed clothes and headed out and immediately rode straight into 10-15 mph headwinds (I checked the weather channel when I got home)! I weigh about 130 lbs, have a piece o'crap mtb bike that weighs about 40lbs and there were times it looked like I was practicing trackstands! At certain points the wind was hitting me from the side and I could feel it pushing the bike sideways. Not wanting to throw in the towel, I still rode on, went to a lower gear and imagined I was riding uphill. Ugh. Good thing it was only 3 miles, but even so I was wiped out by the time I got home-I was wheezy (haven't needed an inhaler for years, since I stopped swimming laps for exercise) and exhausted. Also, since I left the hospital at 7:30pm I barely made it home before dark (looks like I'm gonna have to get some lights!). 30 mins to go 3 miles! I was crawling...
Its the day after and I'm off so I'm gonna get warmed up and see how I feel on my morning ride....
Is it just a matter of getting stronger when dealing with wind issues?

[sfa]

Stronger helps a bit, but I think headwinds are about the worst thing to deal with on a bike! You can be using all your strength and still not make any progress. Good for you for sticking it out all the way home!

When I'm stuck with headwinds I try to remind myself that the next time the wind might be pushing me along and making life easier.

Sarah

[redrhodie]

A more aerodynamic bike will really improve riding in wind, but if that's not an option, think of the wind as your personal trainer. It may take longer, but you're getting a great workout.

Also, I live in a coastal area where wind is always prevalent, and I have different routes (even commuting) depending on wind direction. I use a more sheltered and shorter route if I have a north wind in the evening. So remember, the most direct route may not be the best.

[Medianox]

I am planning on getting a more suitable bike in the near future, I may even go to the lbs today and do a few test rides and see what feels good.
Taking the wind into consideration as to route direction is a great piece of wisdom, but I was a little pressed for time last night (I was afraid it was getting dark and I don't have lights yet) so I just did the closest thing to a straight line and just had to deal with the wind.
Here where I live in the north central part of the valley it is often breezy so I'll keep wind direction in mind next time just in case it really kicks up like last night. It has been a cool August here (only 80's instead of 90+), usually its blazing hot and wind isn't bad, this year its been cooler and windier. Kinda odd.
Nobody said this was ever gonna be easy-good thing I enjoy a little pain now and then!
Thanks for the encouragement!

[Cataboo]

About all you can do in wind is gear down, spin, and try to scrunch yourself a bit on the bike to make yourself more aerodynamic... that does sound miserable though. But you made it home!

[Biciclista]

It takes me about 30 minutes to ride 4 miles(my home commute), and i've been doing it for years. Your time just isn't that bad! Sounds like it was TOUGH though. keep riding! good job!

[Tri Girl]

Headwinds bite it, big time. The wind is pretty much constantly 10-15 around here on a daily basis. When it's single digit winds, we go crazy! I had to ride home from work one day in 25 mph headwinds with gusts up to 40. Unlike you, I gave up and called for a ride.
Wind is demoralizing for me. Great job sticking with it and making home in a very respectable time!!!!
Glad you're still enjoying your commute! Keep at it, you tough cookie.

[Medianox]

Tri Girl- Wow! I remember when I lived in eastern Kansas that it was the same way-pretty windy all the time, and when the wind stopped everyone looked up to see if a storm was coming! 40 mph winds...you were awesome for even trying!
Thanks for the words of encouragement...I was determined to get home no matter what. Sort of a silly matter of pride thing. DH is an ex jock sports dude (baseball and soccer)type of guy (me-the opposite...bookish and pretty uncoordinated)....he supports my biking at every turn but I think part of me just really wanted to show him that I am serious. Silly I know, but I wanted to say that I made it.

[tulip]

I'm not a nurse, but I have worked jobs that require alot of time on my feet. I found that a ride home on the bike made my feet feel better, not worse. Good for you for riding. You may soon find that your three mile commute is just too short.