Catrin: 2 and Wind: 0

[chicagogal]

in chicago, riding in the wind, especially this time of the year, is the rule rather than the exception to it. We don't have hills around here, so wind becomes our answer to hill training days. Approach wind and hill climbing in a similar way: spin easyish gears and try to keep your cadence up, spread your weight evenly over the bike with your hips back and your shoulders over your handlebars. In addition, get low and aero and stay lose when riding into the wind.

Staying lose and relaxed and not having a death-grip on the bike is especially important because the gusts of wind will have the tendency to push you off your line. Don't fight it too much. Instead, go with the flow, and let the bike do what it needs to do. When relaxed, you will naturally and easily make the minor adjustments necessary to stay upright and stay the course.

Of course, when I talk about wind I am talking about 20+mph winds with gusts up to 35mph. Anything more than that, I usually avoid!!!

[Catrin]

....

Of course, when I talk about wind I am talking about 20+mph winds with gusts up to 35mph. Anything more than that, I usually avoid!!!

Wow! I know how those 18-20 mph gusts felt like the other day, I can't imagine a gust up to 35! The information is helpful though and will remember it. Part of it may have been due to the upright design of my Trek 7.6 - my LHT has road bars and a very different riding position that might work better with winds. I have to get used to that first

[ColoKate]

Catrin, I have been struggling with wind so this is motivating me to get out there and get past it, thanks!

Also, do you ladies find a specific wind-proof layer is a necessity? I've been comfortable in my current layers except the last few days which have been super gusty - I can feel the wind blow right through everything I'm wearing

[annielynn]

I absolutely despise the wind. It is awful. I would climb the hills and ride in the cold/hot weather than ride in a headwind. AWFUL! Good for you getting out there.