Help riding in the wind

[whippetgirl]

I need some advice riding in the wind. Especially downhill. Today I rode over the altamont pass (in No. Cal. and yes, the site of a very famous rock concert long ago) and it was very windy. It was my first time up there and even though I knew it would be windy, I freaked out. My problem was more pronounced on the downhills where, at faster speeds,I felt pushed around. So I slowed down as I didn't feel very safe at a faster pace. The uphills were exhausting of course, but I need some advice on the downhills!Thanks for your help!

[mimitabby]

I'm not a real fast rider, but i've done the same as you when it's windy. I slow down. Then the wind can't push me as far!

[luv'nAustin]

You could try hugging the top tube with your knees.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Also hunker yourself down more- you'll present less wind resistance.

[whippetgirl]

yes, I ride in the drops, try to pedal while feathering the brakes. But,when the wind pushes should you just go with it a little or should you brake more?

[mimitabby]

if the wind is pushing you into traffic, or into a ditch, i'd say slow down because you don't want to go there

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yeah just what I was thinking too. If the wind is pushing yousideways into a Mac truck, I wouldn't advise "going with it"!!!
I always brake and slow down if I'm getting scray side gusts that push me around on the highway.

[CR400]

I have at least once on a ride had a very strong cross wind that kept knocking me off my line into traffic. So I started to lean into the wind slightly. In fact at one point I was actually hoping that the wind wouldn't die down or I'd fall over into the ditch. This may not work so well if you are light weight.

[cosc]

I also feel very unstable with head winds and crosswind on a descent. I get in my drops, hold the top tube with my knees as necessary, feather my brakes and slide my weight to my back wheel. Often my front wheel seems to start bouncing out of control. Braking sometimes seems to start this problem even without hard braking. I don't want to be going at an excessive speed when the wind is blowing me around though. I'll be watching this thread for any advice. Whippetgirl and I want to conquer the wind-at least a little.