Wind is undoubtedly a cyclist’s worst enemy, even more so than rain or cold, not only because it often hinders progress, requiring extra effort, but also because it can destabilize us and cause a fall, especially with the proliferation of aerodynamic bikes and wheels.
Those who live in these areas, where vast, unprotected expanses are the usual feature of their routes, fortunately already know a few things they can do to cope with those days when the wind is so intense that it practically makes pedaling impossible.
The first thing to keep in mind when going out for a ride on a windy day is choosing the route. Nowadays, various weather websites offer tremendously accurate forecasts, including those related to wind direction and intensity. Regarding its strength, usually expressed in speed, we must keep in mind that, starting at 10 km/h, the intensity will be felt when pedaling, and if it reaches 20 km/h, we will be severely affected.
Regarding the wind’s direction, this is something we should take into account when choosing the route to take, preferably starting from the direction of the wind to have the wind mostly in our faces at the beginning of the route, when our strength is intact, and at our backs at the end. It is also useful to minimize the effects of the wind by choosing more protected areas, for example, those that pass through terrain with a lot of vegetation.
When interpreting these wind direction predictions, it’s important to keep in mind that they are derived from mathematical models based on the general circulation of air in the atmosphere. Therefore, they don’t take into account the specific characteristics of each area, especially the topography, which can cause wind direction to vary. For example, channeling it along a valley, or the thermal winds generated in coastal areas as the day progresses, or between mountains and flat areas when the wind that warms up in the latter tends to rise toward the mountains.
Aerodynamics plays a fundamental role in windy conditions, for better or worse. Manufacturers often express the gains a bike or wheel can achieve by indicating the watts they can save at 40 km/h, a speed that is relative. That is, we have to add or subtract the wind speed from our pedaling speed to realize that it’s a fairly easy figure to reach, especially if the wind blows head-on.
This means that aerodynamics will be our ally when it comes to fighting the wind. Despite the extra effort required by pedaling in these conditions, we can save power compared to if we didn’t take this factor into account. When we talk about aerodynamics, we’re talking about the whole concept, starting with the cyclist, the element of the system that generates the most resistance.
Pedaling in the most aerodynamic position possible, wearing tight clothing that doesn’t flap in the wind, and choosing an aerodynamic helmet over a conventional one will all add up to facilitate our progress when the wind opposes our pedaling. If we can also add an aero bike and profiled wheels, we’ll be adding more elements to help us eke out those precious watts.
However, regarding the bike and wheels, we must take into account another aspect: larger aerodynamic profiles become unstable at certain wind angles. Fortunately, manufacturers and engineers are increasingly knowledgeable about aerodynamics, and both wheels and bikes are becoming more stable in a wider range of winds. However, it’s still a more difficult material to handle, and not all cyclists have the technical skill to ride in crosswind conditions with high-profile wheels.
And let’s not forget the main aerodynamic factor: the strength of the group. Riding in a group, the more cyclists the better, will allow us to distribute the effort of moving against the wind among more riders and provide us with shelter when our strength falters. An important point to make here. When the wind blows from the side, we all like to be protected, but we must keep in mind that we are riding on roads open to traffic and that we must comply with traffic regulations.
Although fans are incredibly aesthetically pleasing on television during races, we can’t ride this way, taking up an entire lane no matter how strong the wind is. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see small groups doing this, which gives a terrible image to the cycling community. If there’s a crosswind, a cyclist leaning slightly relative to the rider in front may be legitimate, but from there to taking up a full lane is a world away, and although it’s a nuisance that leaves us exposed to the wind, we must stay in line.
Whether we’re riding alone or in a group, the wind often gives us an unrealistic perception of the effort we’re putting in. These days, it’s important to pay close attention to the power meter to stay within the power ranges we know we can sustain, even if we feel like we’re barely making any progress, to avoid collapse as the course progresses.
As a final tip for these days when the wind is whipping, it’s important to be extra careful on descents, in hollows, on bridges, or in particularly exposed areas where a gust of wind can surprise and destabilize us. We should also pay attention to changes of direction, as the moment when the wind shifts from one side to the other is especially critical, especially if we’re using high-profile wheels. The key to avoiding scares is to avoid holding the handlebars tightly so that our arms can naturally absorb the movements generated by the wind, just as we would a pothole.
By the way, did you know that the Dutch Headwind Cycling Championships are held in the Netherlands every year? A race on an 8.5-kilometer inline circuit, where the usual Dutch city bikes are used, faced with conditions that can reach wind speeds of over 100 km/h. In fact, for the race to be held, the wind must have a minimum speed of between 50 and 60 km/h.
Source: www.brujulabike.com