The Chainlink

Anybody else going to wuss out on commuting because of gale force winds?

I felt exceptionally lazy the last three days and was unable to get out of the house on time to be able to make it to work via bike, so I drove. I rarely EVER drive to work so I've been a bit bummed that I didn't bike the last three days, and now it looks like my usual LFP commute will be all but impossible due to 30 mph winds gusting into my face each morning for the next couple days. I thought about maybe cutting west and riding up through the city to avoid the LFP on the off chance that it might be less windy. However, the wind is pretty much coming straight from the north so I can't see any northern route on city streets being much better than the LFP. The ride home would probably be a blast though, what with that tail wind. There was a storm last year in October that was a lot like this with the super high winds. It was blowing so hard I had to ride the bus up into the loop to run an errand. Going home I got on the LFP south of Navy Pier and had a blast riding home with the massive tailwind. It was blowing so hard that day that I was actually in my granny ring and one of the bigger cogs on the back and was still able barely manage about 10 miles an hour. I suspect tomorrow and Tuesday will be pretty similar to that storm last October. I may just drive both days and consider this week a write-off.

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Permalink Reply by David Barish on October 30, 2012 at 10:25am

Last night the wind was about half what it is today. I had to meet somebody near Belmont and Central so i rode from the loop  and tacked into the wind mostly up Milwaukee. It was tough.  I took Central north out of the city and it took great effort to ride between 10-11 mph into t he north wind. I can't imagine what it would be with today's wind.

Permalink Reply by Barry Aldridge on October 30, 2012 at 11:12am

I wouldn't call it wimping out; this is pretty unusual weather.

I rode in yesterday, but put my bike on the bus on the way home; I tried riding a few blocks, but became afraid of being blown into traffic, like envane said. Even the bus was being blown around a little.

I'm working from home today, so no commute for me. Stay safe, everyone!

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on October 30, 2012 at 12:25pm

Luckily for me, my commute is 90% E/W. My ride this morning was mostly just annoying as I had to really pay attention and shift weight when gusts came along. Sometimes I get lazy and lean back riding no-hands. Not today, friends.

Permalink Reply by nowuz on October 30, 2012 at 1:32pm

I always bike commute regardless of the wind. When winds are above 20mph(sustained) I switch from my single speed to my mtb, and its never too bad, just slower. However, last year I learned my lesson on the lfp: at that spot at fullerton I was entirely soaked and almost lost my bike to the lake. Btw, neoprene face mask and gloves and a good jacket are the best antidote to windchill. they kept me riding all last winter.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on October 30, 2012 at 2:12pm

That little section near Fullerton has a real sting to it.  Here it is this morning:

I went out for lunch downtown and it seemed very 'not windy' at all.  I'm by the Art Institute and figured it'd be a bit more blustery this afternoon.  Can anyone closer to the lake verify it's still blowing?

Permalink Reply by Adam Kitzmann on October 30, 2012 at 2:48pm

I was out at the lake this afternoon, around belmont harbor and it was pretty damn windy, that being said, it's kind of fun to ride in. I'd stay clear of the path where it goes right along the lake, the breaks are getting pretty big. Here's a photo from about noonish: 

Permalink Reply by Charlie Short 2.9 on October 30, 2012 at 3:23pm

I rode up Broadway last night and it was tough, but that was after a long day of riding and work. The wind downtown seems surprisingly tame for sustained winds to be so extreme aloft. Normally there's a lot of gusting at corners, etc. I'd say it's like a really tough normal windy day, not a scary, fall-over windy day.

In all fairness, the only weather that stops me from riding is ice, so I'm not a good example. Last week when I got soaked, my attitude was "now I have a better reason to ride on lower Wacker! Yeah!"

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on October 30, 2012 at 3:30pm

Looking out my window at the flags that are on top of the Cook County building (five stories, I think) they are not consistently flying straight out, but they are not dropping down completely, either.  Seems not as bad as was forecast.

Permalink Reply by spencewine on October 30, 2012 at 3:48pm

I rode today from the West Side and it wasn't that bad. Some strong gusts, but I've definitely  ridden in worse wind. I walked out to the Lake on my lunch break (from the Loop) and I've seen worse days on the lake.

Permalink Reply by Steve Courtright on October 30, 2012 at 3:48pm


So, if I get on at Fullerton, will the LSP be passable going North?  Any beta on that?

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on October 30, 2012 at 3:51pm
Yes it will be - from Fullerton going north.
Permalink Reply by Steve Courtright on October 30, 2012 at 3:52pm

Thanks, Will. 

Just Will said:

Yes it will be - from Fullerton going north.

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