Cycling in really windy weather
- Thread starter openroad
- Start date
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Leodis
Veteran
- Location
- Moortown, Leeds
Head down and power through.
I once cycled downhill at 6mph in the big ring full speed if that counts as a story?
I once cycled downhill at 6mph in the big ring full speed if that counts as a story?
MisterStan
Label Required
- Location
- Out there somewhere
I had egg sandwiches for lunch yesterday, that was a windy ride home....
Seriously, both commutes yesterday were pretty tough going - you know there's a major crosswind when you realise that you're leaning over into the wind to stay upright for 3-4 miles!
If it's advice you're after, then beware of sudden gusts from the side when passing gaps in hedges etc as these can really push you into traffic. I tend to keep a fairly strong secondary when it's like this so that cars are forced to cross lanes to overtake. If you have drop bars, then getting hunkered down is a good idea too.
Seriously, both commutes yesterday were pretty tough going - you know there's a major crosswind when you realise that you're leaning over into the wind to stay upright for 3-4 miles!
If it's advice you're after, then beware of sudden gusts from the side when passing gaps in hedges etc as these can really push you into traffic. I tend to keep a fairly strong secondary when it's like this so that cars are forced to cross lanes to overtake. If you have drop bars, then getting hunkered down is a good idea too.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
It's quite entertaining. Don't mind actually.
Just be wary of passing gaps in buildings. Don't death grip the bike, ride as normal, but be ready to compensate.
I remember commuting to work in high gales. One section, it was hailing and I had my head down as the wind was so hard with the hail. Looked up and saw a huge industrial wheelybin, right in the middle of the road. Spotted in time. Crossing the motorway bridge was interesting, leaning sideways.
Been on club runs in the past when the wind has been a nightmare in the hills. Riding over Woodhead at 45 degree lean to the road is 'interesting'. The 50 mph plus descent was fun, but coming back over the Snake Pass at about 3 mph, bottom gear, fighting all the way wasn't fun. Been on Axe Edge, when one of the younger lads broke down crying the wind was that hard.
It's just weather !
Just be wary of passing gaps in buildings. Don't death grip the bike, ride as normal, but be ready to compensate.
I remember commuting to work in high gales. One section, it was hailing and I had my head down as the wind was so hard with the hail. Looked up and saw a huge industrial wheelybin, right in the middle of the road. Spotted in time. Crossing the motorway bridge was interesting, leaning sideways.
Been on club runs in the past when the wind has been a nightmare in the hills. Riding over Woodhead at 45 degree lean to the road is 'interesting'. The 50 mph plus descent was fun, but coming back over the Snake Pass at about 3 mph, bottom gear, fighting all the way wasn't fun. Been on Axe Edge, when one of the younger lads broke down crying the wind was that hard.
It's just weather !
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
I'm used to my road bike being shoved sideways by crosswinds but it's a bit unnerving when it happens on the hybrid, especially if the panniers are loaded with shopping.
But a friend's recently back from Tierra del Fuego and southern Patagonia and has now reassessed her definition of "strong wind". I complained about the headwind when we were out cycling the other day. I thought she was going to push me off my bike.
But a friend's recently back from Tierra del Fuego and southern Patagonia and has now reassessed her definition of "strong wind". I complained about the headwind when we were out cycling the other day. I thought she was going to push me off my bike.
I have twice nearly been blown into the path of oncoming traffic crossing this junction. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/previ...ata=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sY_-b6dD2BjzbEGX7BkA0Pw!2e0
40mph, free flowing 3 lane A road in both directions whips up the wind, tallish buildings on all 4 corners of the junction seems to do weird things to the air, can be quite scary from a standing start at the lights.
mcshroom
Bionic Subsonic
- Location
- Egremont, Cumbria
Use a heavier bike if you have one, and flat bars help as well. It's worth keeping a bit of space to your leeward side to allow for being blown into it a bit.
My 'most interesting'experience with wind was riding over the Cairnwell pass (past Glenshee ski centre) into a wind gusting well over 70mph. Even on a fully loaded up tourer I was being blown around, and at a couple points just got off and braced the bike against the wind until it died down a little. It was one of those experiences that retrospectively seems far more amusing than it did at the time.
My 'most interesting'experience with wind was riding over the Cairnwell pass (past Glenshee ski centre) into a wind gusting well over 70mph. Even on a fully loaded up tourer I was being blown around, and at a couple points just got off and braced the bike against the wind until it died down a little. It was one of those experiences that retrospectively seems far more amusing than it did at the time.
Beebo
Firm and Fruity
- Location
- Hexleybeef
A head wind isnt fun but it wont knock you off. As everyone has said, cross winds are the main danger.
I have two sections on my commute where I know to expect sudden cross winds, one is on Tower Bridge as you pass through the arches the other is near @ianrauk work, on Depford Creek Road, where the wind seems to funnel between buildings.
Also watch for road signs and other stuff being blown into the road.
I have two sections on my commute where I know to expect sudden cross winds, one is on Tower Bridge as you pass through the arches the other is near @ianrauk work, on Depford Creek Road, where the wind seems to funnel between buildings.
Also watch for road signs and other stuff being blown into the road.
snorri
Legendary Member
- Location
- East coast, up a bit.
Head winds are OK they just slow you down, side winds are dangerous, they can knock you off.
Edit. Sorry, posted at same time as Beebo
Edit. Sorry, posted at same time as Beebo
I cycled head on into that storm we had a few months ago, the local weather station reported gusts of 74 mph.
A couple of times I got blown to a complete standstill and the biggest issue was avoiding the flying rubbish, wheelie bins and plant pots. My commute took 15 minutes longer and I had to climb over 2 trees which had blown down and blocked the road. People who drove in were stuck in their cars for hours....
I would also like to add this was on my fixed gear
A couple of times I got blown to a complete standstill and the biggest issue was avoiding the flying rubbish, wheelie bins and plant pots. My commute took 15 minutes longer and I had to climb over 2 trees which had blown down and blocked the road. People who drove in were stuck in their cars for hours....
I would also like to add this was on my fixed gear
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Beebo
Firm and Fruity
- Location
- Hexleybeef
[QUOTE 2914673, member: 1314"]London bridges can be a bit lairy when it's windy. I've had to walk over a couple, then be fine (mostly) off the bridge.[/quote]
Some guy last night decided to get off and walk over Tower Bridge, the trouble is there are barriers along the entire bridge so there was no where for him to go. except to walk down the gutter, which isnt sensible on such a narrow bridge.
Some guy last night decided to get off and walk over Tower Bridge, the trouble is there are barriers along the entire bridge so there was no where for him to go. except to walk down the gutter, which isnt sensible on such a narrow bridge.
gaz
Cycle Camera TV
- Location
- South Croydon
[QUOTE 2914713, member: 1314"]I went gingerly over Waterloo Bridge last night. I was tempted to walk.[/quote]
probably would have been quicker
probably would have been quicker
gaz
Cycle Camera TV
- Location
- South Croydon
Leave the deep section wheels at home. Made that mistake once, never again.
Don't spend any time at all alongside HGVs in gale force wind, accelerate or if you can't do that brake. Especially if said vehicle is moving. If it overtakes you, brake to get it in front ASAP.
Really don't like HGVs in the wind, their enormous profile from the side is like a sail.
Really don't like HGVs in the wind, their enormous profile from the side is like a sail.
