How much wind can you endure?

[sundial]

35 mph is my limit--and only because it occured during the ride. Whatever the windspeed is on weather.com, we can always add at least 3 mph more since we cycle in the farmlands.

Course now I'd rather mtb in the woods on a gusty day.

[SlowButSteady]

Riding in wind is more difficult, like swimming upstream.

Last year I rode a bit on windy days because I was training for triathlons. The biggest one came on a extremely windy day, so I was prepared and made decent-for-me time in spite of it.

However, riding a bicycle is supposed to be fun--that's why I do it in the first place (well, that and fitness).

So I won't ride on windy days.

[gnat23]

However, riding a bicycle is supposed to be fun--that's why I do it in the first place (well, that and fitness).

So I won't ride on windy days.

+++

For commutes: I can talk myself into it if it's below 20mph. If it's 20+, I let myself have the option skipping it without feeling guilty.

For longer weekend rides/events, I just make sure not to do it alone. I take turns on the front of a groupride, or if it's just me and my man, I'll flutter my eyelashes at him and ask him to pull me through the headwinds.

-- gnat! (no shame, but who wants a grumpy girlfriend anyway?)

[lauraelmore1033]

I don't keep track of actual wind speeds, but if I look out the front window and the top of the neighbor's huge douglas fir is bent past the 10:00 or 2:00 position, I might decide to ride the trainer that day or just go for a walk.

[BarbaraAlys]

If the winds are over 20mph we don't go. But, I'm a weak rider. My riding buddy is on a recumbant and even in 15 mph winds she leaves me way behind.

I love it when the wind is so strong that you are going down a good hill, but if you stop peddling you slow down! You would think my weight would be enough momentum!

Barbara

[Miranda]

I'm liking these wind stories, ladies. Whoa, for you gals with the coastal waters near, and wind, Ooooo... it does never die.

[makbike]

I rode a century yesterday and one today. We fought strong headwinds both days and I was particularly miserable today. Winds yesterday were blowing at a steady 18 mph and gusting to close to 30 mph. Today was a bit better (12 mph, gusting to 21 mph). Had I not reserved a room, was not actively participating in the LBC's silly contest and a bit stubborn I would have skipped both days. It was very evident today's winds were taking their toll. Those who rode yesterday and today were exhausted. A nasty headwind or crosswind is very demoralizing in my book. I told a fellow rider today - riding into the wind is like climbing a perpetual hill - it just keeps going. At least with a hill you know there is a top somewhere close - with the wind it only stops beating you up when you get off the bike.

[Miranda]

I rode a century yesterday and one today. We fought strong headwinds both days and I was particularly miserable today. Winds yesterday were blowing at a steady 18 mph and gusting to close to 30 mph. Today was a bit better (12 mph, gusting to 21 mph). Had not reserved a room, be an active participant in the LBC's silly contest and I guess a bit stubborn I would have skipped both days. It was very evident today's winds were taking their toll. Those who rode yesterday and today were exhausted. A nasty headwind or crosswind is very demoralizing in my book. I told a fellow rider today - riding into the wind is like climbing a perpetual hill - it just keeps going. At least with a hill you know there is a top somewhere close - with the wind it only stops beating you up when you get off the bike.

That is an EXCELLENT description!

[Aggie_Ama]

I am a wind weenie. I can handle it but I don't like and I HATE gusting wind. I usually don't voluntarily ride if the wind if sustained at 20 or above. I will only go if it will be a headwind or tailwind, no crosswind. It drives my husband nuts but I just don't feel safe like that.

[Miranda]

35 mph is my limit--and only because it occured during the ride. Whatever the windspeed is on weather.com, we can always add at least 3 mph more since we cycle in the farmlands.

Course now I'd rather mtb in the woods on a gusty day.

I never thought about that with the farm lands! You can do your weather search by area, but how does the weather web site know you're out in Farmer Bob's freshly plowed field? This is true. I hate the dry dirt blowing off the fields crossways into your lung path when you are already being blown over sideways. Another killer is people burning leaves and brush. OMG, I have asthma, and the wind, plus the fire/smoke/ash being carried by the wind when it's your path through is just YUCK!

[Miranda]

35 mph is my limit--and only because it occured during the ride. Whatever the windspeed is on weather.com, we can always add at least 3 mph more since we cycle in the farmlands.

Course now I'd rather mtb in the woods on a gusty day.

OH! One other thing I forgot to blab about when I quoted this first time was this...

YES! On the last 20+mph day I took out my mt bike instead. That was my EXACT same thought... trees are my friend.

Unfortunately after that ride, I think I might need to sell my mt bike. I've ridden it little. I have some health issues and can't do impactive exercise. My back has been pretty good lately with a long winter of PT. So, "feeling better" I stupidly forgot (without the reminder of constant pain) about the MAJOR difference in mt biking, vs road riding.

WHOAAA... the back is now messed up killing me. Totally diff set of muscle use, and strength skills. Versus to ME, road is more "lungs" (and yes, strength in certain ways... but way diff than the mt bike).

So, that "wind weenie plan" didn't end so well for me at all with plan B. Sad, because it was fun otherwise.

[sundial]

So, "feeling better" I stupidly forgot (without the reminder of constant pain) about the MAJOR difference in mt biking, vs road riding.

Oh no! Do you have somewhere with packed dirt or quiet streets to ride your mtb? Maybe a park? Will that keep your back pain at bay?