Wind!!!

[Flying_Monkey]

Now, this is probably much more an issue for us smaller, lighter cyclists - although wind no doubt brings its problems for the bigger riders too. I am really not enjoying the current strong winds: headwinds are fine, you just keep pushing - but the gusting crosswinds are no fun at all. I have a particular issue with the fact that I might be blown into the path of an HGV or a bus. Any tips for riding with crosswinds?

 

[robz400]

I don't think theres really alot you can do except watch for the obvious places like bridges, gaps in the hedges, straight after a car goes past etc.

I know that when riding a motorbike you can countersteer very effectivly into the wind but bikes being lighter and more sensitive you'd have to be pretty quick to catch it!

 

[Tim Bennet.]

Strip naked. The wind drag on loose flappy clothing is way more than bare skin.

 

[Origamist]

Get into an aerodynamic position, wear lycra, slipstream if possible, and shift down and spin. Finally, see it as a positive challenge and push yourself.

If it's seriously blowing you around the road - stop.

 

[Mr Phoebus]

I usually ride with my grip relaxed, but in the crosswinds I really grip the hoods/grips ready for any handlebar wrestling.

Make sure that your top is fully zipped up so not to act as a sail.

 

[Maz]

I'm not sure there's much you can do. Like robz said, look out for gaps in hedges, side-streets, even your own change in direction which could buffet you around.

 

[Landslide]

Re-think your mode of transport?

 

[Mr Phoebus]

Some things to shout out at the crosswinds:

"Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"
"Oooooh, tetchy!"
"Is that all you've got?"
"Whatever"
"Ooooh, temper, temper"

 

[mr_cellophane]

Re-think your mode of transport?

I did a day there. It took me 3 trips down there before I got a go - too windy, not windy enough. The third time was just about the right wind although it did drop off quite regularly which was a pain if that happened while you were turning round.

 

[BentMikey]

You guys just need a recumbent. Not that the wind is nice with a recumbent, but it's nowhere near as bad as it is on the upright. There's nothing I like more than being able to bore upwind past red sweaty cyclists.

 

[4F]

Any tips for riding with crosswinds?/quote]

Eat more pies, never had a problem with crosswinds

 

[Keith Oates]

You guys just need a recumbent. Not that the wind is nice with a recumbent, but it's nowhere near as bad as it is on the upright. There's nothing I like more than being able to bore upwind past red sweaty cyclists.

But, but, but'...........................................on, never mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Plax]

If there is no let up, lean into the wind. I had to do that last Sunday. Of course, if the wind suddenly stops.........

 

[Mr Pig]

There was one night earlier this year when it was so wild that I rode quite slowly along the pavement next to the 60mph stretch on my way home. Just wasn't worth the risk.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

If there is no let up, lean into the wind. I had to do that last Sunday. Of course, if the wind suddenly stops.........

I've done that before! very quick adjustments required as the wind suddenly drops so you don't do a kind of commando roll with your bike attached!