Is the wind really a factor?

[Blue]

Most of my routes are circular of varying lengths. I never really understand how I get head winds all the way round.

Maybe you're going so fast you're creating your own headwind!!

 

[middleagecyclist]

I find a tailwind to be a real problem...particularly bad if i've had a few pints and a pie the night before.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

tailwinds are myth and legend

I did have one once.
Was on the Great North Bike Ride heading down the coast with A 30-35 mph NNE wind on my tail - it wa fab apart from when we got it side on.

 

[Eribiste]

I do not like riding in a strong wind, unlike a hill, it never gives in! Doesn't stop me going out for a ride mind you, but it is wearing.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Best thing with a head wind is not to fight it, it can quickly sap your strength.

 

[Hacienda71]

Keep low, reduce your frontal area, you can see your speed increase for the same effort.

 

[slowmotion]

Wind is very demoralising. Ride up the Dutch coast into a headwind and nobody will ever again convince you that the route is pancake flat. Headwinds stalk you too. I believe the expression is "Chinese gales".

 

[rowdin]

Thats a nice site you listed there mattHB, thanks.

 

[lukesdad]

...and dont mention cross winds

 

[fossyant]

Wind is always there - get on with the pedalling ! It's sometimes worth taking advantage of the wind direction when planning your route, especially if it's out and back, exposed or you've got some hills.

I certainly plan which way we cycle as a family on the North Wales Coast - headwind going out, tail wind back as there is nothing worse than moaning tired kids. Hills, again plan the route if it's particularly windy - nothing worse than being in bottom gear doing 5 mph over the top of Snake Pass on the flat at the summit !

 

[RichardWHardwick]

I did have one once.
Was on the Great North Bike Ride heading down the coast with A 30-35 mph NNE wind on my tail - it wa fab apart from when we got it side on.

Two years ago? That was my first ever long bike ride and I almost flew the whole way.
Then, the next year (last year), the wind was in the opposite direction, a headwind, and it was so much tougher. Hoping for neither later this month and for next month's Coast and Castles. Off out tonight and am happy for it to hammer it down, as it has been for the last hour, as long as the wind doesnt pick up too much...

 

[vernon]

Headwinds always come from an againsterly direction.

 

[byegad]

Yes it really does slow people down. I'm slow, averaging 10mph on most rides, but have been known to smoke roadies into a screaming gale. I ride a recumbent trike with a Streamer Fairing!

The difference in frontal area, fairing to smooth the air over me and being low to the ground, where due to wind shear the wind speed is lessened anyway make this slow rider able to pass roadies grovelling into a full gale with a cheery 'Morning!' I love windy days.

 

[ohnovino]

You won't believe me. I'll be cast out from CycleChat and derided as a heretic. But I swear this is true...

I had a double-tailwind last week.

Rode an out-and-back that takes about an hour. The ride out was wind-assisted, so I was bracing myself for the struggle home. But when I turned around ... no headwind. This was near to Liverpool Airport and I noticed the planes had changed take-off direction too, so it wasn't just me. Presumably there was a big group of cyclists riding in the opposite direction, and the fates decided to screw them and let me off.

 

[annedonnelly]

I did have one once.
Was on the Great North Bike Ride heading down the coast with A 30-35 mph NNE wind on my tail - it wa fab apart from when we got it side on.

I was there that day - the side-on blast at Sleekburn blew me off the bike!