There is always wind. Makes no difference the season, even if you think there isn’t a lot of wind at the start you will find some at some stage during your ride. Riding in the wind makes you strong, end of. It also helps with bike handling and confidence on the bike. So, embrace wind and follow these tips to help you deal with it better.
HEADWIND…
If you are riding into a headwind then treat it like you are riding a climb. Drop the gears adjust the cadence and keep the same pressure. Don’t let the gearing get on top of you. All those surges in and out of the saddle to get back on top of the gear are going to catch up with you. So steady pace and pressure are key. If you are on an out and back, then remember on the turnaround the wind will be behind you!!
TAILWIND…
So, if a headwind is all about going up a climb then a tailwind is all about going downhill and you treat it the same. Its all about working to increase you speed. If you put in an effort to lift it when you can, the wind behind you is going to hold that speed allowing you to recover from the effort.
CROSSWIND….
First thing, move out into the road a little more and stay away from the gutter…it gives you a bit of space if you get caught in a blast and you have room to counter that preventing you crashing. Keep a firm grip on the handlebars too, this is not really a time to relax too much, come forward a little more on your saddle and adopt a more stable riding position by dropping deeper over the bars.
Of course its safety first…if you feel the wind is too strong then turn and head home….Hopefully working out a route that gets you back with a tailwind !!!!