It is Spring in Nebraska and we can hope for little else but windy rides. That makes days like last Sunday that were calm extra special. High wind warnings have been steadily increasing over the last 20 years, with the windiest being in the last five. The National Weather Service started keeping track in 1960.
It is possible to ride in wind like this, but the more you know about how to do that, the safer and more enjoyable it will be. Much of it comes down to attitude and experience.
And here is a fun and interesting wind map for a bigger picture.
Here in the Midwest, the wind is our mountains. When on a mountain, it’s better to start uphill if you have a choice, meaning into the headwind, and have the downhill/tailwind on the way back. We don’t always have control of our route, however. Hats off to everyone who raced in the Louisville Classic Gravel Grinder in that wind last Saturday. As with the Washington Jefferson ride, and the Crane Ride a couple of weeks ago, that wind was no joke. With no choice as to when to ride into it and when to get a tailwind, riders just had to deal with it. While smoother tires are more grippy on pavement, wider tires featuring a small tread are generally preferred for gravel in these conditions. A tailwind is usually a cyclist’s friend, but fast descents on loose gravel can be stressful when you feel like you’re being pushed over ball bearings. Turning into the wind can also be a little too exciting. Be aware that the wind does tend to push the front wheel and cause it to lessen it’s grip on the already loose gravel, threatening to take it out from under you. Putting a little weight into the handlebars, and thereby the front wheel while also moving back in the saddle should help with that. When riding into that headwind, try to make yourself compact. Knees close to the top tube, hands in the drops, if riding with drop bars. If using a backpack, make it a small one so as not to create a sail. If using handlebar or rack bags, make sure they’re compact. A gust can push a bag or rack sideways, turning the handlebars and causing you to lose control. Low panniers on the bike will be more stable. Also, crosswinds, especially where protected and open areas alternate, as where there are buildings or walls then intersections, can be dangerous. Try leaning a little into the wind when on longer unprotected stretches. Maybe even sketchier is riding next to traffic in a crosswind where you can really be buffeted by a semi passing. And then there’s the parachute effect of loose, flapping clothing.
On days like these, staying on trails in the trees can feel like a good plan.
So to review:
Do try to make yourself as small a target for the wind as possible.
If you have drop bars, (or aero bars) it will help to ride in them. This makes your back more horizontal, and you in turn, more aerodynamic.
Keep your knees tucked up near your top tube and your elbows by your sides.
Wear snug clothing that doesn’t act like a parachute by flapping.
Avoid a front basket or rack that can catch a gust and twist the handlebars out of your hands.
Try to keep a little more weight over the front wheel and in the pedals to keep your center of gravity low.
If you can use panniers rather than a backpack for commuting, it will make you more stable.
Avoid standing up to pedal as it is not helpful to make yourself a bigger target for the wind.
Avoid deep rims as they just provide more to catch the wind.
Maintain more neutral space around you, so the wind can push you a little.
Along a highway might not be the best place to ride when the wind is strong.
Head for the trees. Mountain biking, or at least riding a trail along trees acting as a windbreak will be less of a struggle, but watch out for gaps.
A cross wind, or even a tailwind on a long, steep descent can make you more unstable the faster you go, especially on gravel.
Lean into the wind.