April 4 rides

[kfergos]

What's with spring and wind? Rode 35 miles into a 20-mph headwind with gusts up to 40 mph (I'm sure that's nothing to some of you ladies out in the plains, but here in MA that's horrible). The additional 17 miles I rode with the wind, though, and that almost made up for it. But somehow 45°F, high winds, and the occasional drizzle didn't make for a very fun 52-mile ride. Thankfully my feet did thaw out when I got home -- I have no clue why I thought skipping the booties would be a good idea.

Question about wind: Do big guys get blown around as much as small women? I wouldn't think so but I thought I'd ask. I'm 108 lbs, and I ended up creeping down a good downhill I'd usually fly down because of the side-wind gusts. I was afraid I'd lose control of my bike; I got blown hard several times and that scared me. A guy whizzed by me and I wondered if he had an advantage in not being blown around because of his greater mass.

[katluvr]

Considering I live in Florida and my first MS Bike ride weekend is coming up in 2 weeks...it is about time I get this done!

81 miles on Sat. Did about 24 of hills (the hard rollers--as hard as it gets in FL) and then long time on the flats. Definitely SLOW. And normally have hit this distance before now most seasons.

Weather was nice....although getting quite warm in the afternoon. Wind was low (it is right before the front is coming) so that was NICE!

Followed it up w/ a 50 miler...again 1/2 of it "them hills". Since my MS Bike ride is Houston to Austin--I have heard there are some "hills" near Austin. Hope I am ready!

Tired today...more sleepy...but body is holding up OK.

[woohoo]

I rode from home to Luss on Saturday along the side of Loch Lomond, about 20miles. Fairly scenic, and my perseverence through the wind and rain was rewarded with about 5 minutes of non-horizontal rain (in which I took these pics) and a stunning rainbow across towards the islands on the Loch.

[Tri Girl]

What's with spring and wind?

I don't know. That's some good wind you had. We haven't had a day with less than 20+ mph sustained winds in what seems like months- we've had days when it's blown less, but since January it blows all the time and with gale force. It's only supposed to be blowing 15 tomorrow and I'm so excited. I keep dreaming of a place where the wind doesn't blow like madness ALL THE TIME. Grrrr...

Question about wind: Do big guys get blown around as much as small women?

I'm 165 and I get blown around like crazy in winds like you described. I have to be careful or I can be moved around like nothing. My DH is about 30 lbs heavier than me and he gets blown around, too, when the wind is 30-50. I think you just can't compete with the wind no matter how much you weigh, but you surely move more being so much lighter.