Demoralising Wind

[solobiker]

Oh yea, forgot about Solobiker's technique of dealing with the wind...sandbagging...todays 30mph winds with 60mph gusts were nothing, just wait a few months, then it'll really get windy.

Not sure what you mean by that?? I didn't ride today mainly because my back issues flair up with the wind. My above post was just talking about the spring winds, they tend to be stronger and I definately don't find enjoyment when riding with 60mph winds. And as I said to Smurf, just wait until spring. That is when the real winds begin.

[solobiker]

Several years ago a friend and I went out for a ride during a windy spring day and could not get above 7mph, when we typically were averaging 16-17. We only lasted about 10 miles and gave up.

[Jenerator]

Not sure what you mean by that?? I didn't ride today mainly because my back issues flair up with the wind. My above post was just talking about the spring winds, they tend to be stronger and I definately don't find enjoyment when riding with 60mph winds. And as I said to Smurf, just wait until spring. That is when the real winds begin.

Just poking fun at sandbagging cyclists..."that's not wind, that's just a slight breeze, wait til spring when the wind really starts" My personal limit this winter has been gusts over 70. I'm scared of the big things that get blown around when the wind gets that high.

I've always thought of Jan/Feb being the really windy months, but looking at data from '69-'03, Dec/Jan lead with most days with gusts over 70, followed at a very distant second by March, and Nov, Feb & April close behind. None of the stats really matter though when you're headed uphill and into the wind at the end of the day. It's still tough. I like the idea of thinking about the wind as a training aid, which works for me for winds into the 20s-30s, but it's higher sustained winds where I have to work hard to ride downhill and the gusts that really get to me.

Other sandbagging examples:

"I'm out of shape"
Translation:
I ride 400 miles a week and haven't missed a day since the Ford
administration.
I replace my 11-tooth cog more often than you wash your shorts.
My body fat percentage is lower than your mortgage rate.

"I'm not into competition. I'm just riding to stay in shape" ---
Translation:
I will attack until you collapse in the gutter, babbling and whimpering.
I will win the line sprint if I have to force you into oncoming traffic.
I will crest this hill first if I have to grab your seat post, and spray
energy drink in your eyes.

"I'm on my beater bike"
Translation:
I had this baby custom-made in Tuscany using titanium blessed by the Pope.
I took it to a wind tunnel and it disappeared.
It weighs less than a fart and costs more than divorce.

"It's not that hilly"
Translation:
This climb lasts longer than a presidential campaign.
Be careful on the steep sections or you'll fall over -- backward.
You have a 39x23 low gear? Here's the name of my knee surgeon.

"You're doing great, honey"
Translation:
Yo, lard ***, I'd like to get home before midnight.
This is what you get for spending the winter decorating and eating
chocolate.
I shoulda married that cute Cat 1 racer when I had the chance.

"This is a no-drop ride"
Translation:
I'll need an article of your clothing for the search-and-rescue dogs.

"It's not that far"
Translation:
Bring your passport

[Geonz]

welp, sandbags would be a good thing when there is a lot of wind.

I have this "sleeper" mentality. So, if the prairie winds mean that I am going 10 mph but iwth a heart rate of 155... ha! ha! ha! I'm getting stronger and you'll never know!!!!

Wind means more workout benefit for less time and distance. More for your time an dmoney!

Of course, *today* ... I got blown into work with a nice 12 mph tailwind... then the REAL winds came through and I had 35 mph tailwinds blowing me home. Dang, I wish my bike computer worked!