Originally Posted by
CyclingRN
Hi everyone! Hope the Labor Day weekend was good for all. First and foremost, let me put this out there.... I've only been riding less than 6 months, I'm riding a Trek Lexa WSD, and im riding clipped in. The most distance I've ever covered in any single non-stop ride was 24 miles. I average 14-16 mph, depending on the day! Lately I've been pushing 17 mph on the flats. I decided to take on my first club ride and do 50 miles yesterday. I'm in the south and we've got rolling hills and an abundance of "false flats"! The 25 miles out were good, speed averaged 16-17 at times 18 mph, the wind was at our back. How nice that was!!! Now....need I even detail the return trip?
I gave out at 40 miles....needed a new engine! I could not fight that wind any longer. It had slowed me to a crawl, spinning just to keep from falling over. I was riding with my friend who's a stronger rider but even he couldn't pull me in. We rode back into a headwind that occasionally switched to a crosswind, depending on tree cover. It was brutal!!!
I try to ride hills often, but how do I battle wind? Do I just develop a Love/Hate relationship and deal with it? Positioning on the bike? I need some advice here because I plan to ride through the Fall and maybe some this Winter. The wind will only get worse. I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks!
Yes, you sort of do have to develop a love/hate relationship with the wind. Body position can help if you can tolerate riding in your drops. Riding with other people helps, too. The bigger the group the better. But ultimately adapting to the wind is as much mental as it is physical. It takes a degree of patience that can be really hard at times, especially if you've just enjoyed a good tailwind.
As for your ride yesterday, while wind played a role in you pooping out at 40 miles, I'd also suggest that the overall length of the ride did, too. Going from 24 miles to 50 miles was a big jump for your body. Even in the best of conditions, you might have found yourself running out of steam, especially if you didn't eat or drink enough. I would suggest easing into that mileage. Increase your mileage by smaller increments. That will ulitimately help you ride in the wind, too., as your legs will be better adapted to longer hours in the saddle.
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher