Wind.

[RoadRaven]

Well... we go from calm to outrageous winds here, depending on the season.

In the spring we have westerlies, which are sometimes gale-force. So its a warm wind but tough.

When trees are getting close to parallel, or when small branches start coming down, we don't ride.

Otherwise, if i go out in a tough wind, I just accept that i will not be doing a PB that day, and when I am into the wind on the flat I will be doing about 12-14kph instead of 28-30kph...

Wind makes me strong!

[HappyAnika]

I hate wind. Recently got caught in sustained 30-40 mph headwinds (which included going up a big steep hill) and it almost made me cry. Gusts of about 60 at the top of the hill across the lake. I will venture out in, say, 15-20 with gusts to 30, but I don't like it. The problem is around here the weather can change so fast, it can be nice when you head out but then it comes out of nowhere. Also lots of shifts in direction, such that you can have a headwind around an entire loop.

Not that I've ridden in this, of course, but at work right at the base of the mountains we've had 96 mph gusts where you literally can't open the door. I'm not exaggerating, I work next to an NWS station, its measured and documented. Luckily that's a very rare occasion.

[Jenn]

I believe you, being your neighbor to the south here in New Mexico, wind is a fact of life. It's either bad or worse. Although, I'm looking outside right new it's is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous a slight breeze, but I can't go out because the baby is napping.

[northstar]

I'm a wind weenie so far.

If I see leaves blowing across the grass, count me out. I'd rather go for a run.

I need to toughen up.

[chickwhorips]

reading this makes me glad i moved out of cold bay and to anchorage. no wind here, well compared to cold bay. if you had anything below 20 mph in cold bay it was considered calm.

[spokewench]

It is perpetually windy in Flagstaff during the Spring and sometimes during the Fall. Although Saturday was a blessing we had almost no wind! What a break.

You get used to riding in wind around here cause if you want to ride you ride in wind. When it is gusting 50-60 mph, then it is just TOO WINDY.

I rode in that last year and it was REALLY, REALLY SCARY - I was also on a brand new to me 16 pound bike with arrow spokes. What out for sideways wind- That is just too much for me.

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

"Ooooooooooh-klahoma where the wind comes sweepin' down the plains"
yeah...

30+ no thanks
Anything less and I'll get laughed at for not going. :P

I like that quote - Hills make you stronger, but wind makes you meaner... however that goes. Good one!!!!

[Jenn]

reading this makes me glad i moved out of cold bay and to anchorage. no wind here, well compared to cold bay. if you had anything below 20 mph in cold bay it was considered calm.

OH how I miss Anchorage! We are trying to get orders back there as we speak, Elmendorf was the BEST assignment ever, I'm envious. However, how do you train in the winter??? I know we had studded tires on the car, does Bontrager have them?

[Wahine]

When it's really windy, I go windsurfing. Much more fun than cycling in the wind.