Fun with the wind

Curious: what would you experienced cyclists consider a wind strong enough to cancel a ride? Or does it depend on the direction of the wind?

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on September 7, 2010 at 12:47pm
When the wind is strong enough to blow you over, I'd cancel the ride.

Riding into big headwinds makes you strong as fuq.
Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on September 7, 2010 at 1:12pm
True! the headwind makes you stronger, for the tailwind ride back! Yeah baby! WoooHoooo!

envane x said:
When the wind is strong enough to blow you over, I'd cancel the ride.

Riding into big headwinds makes you strong as fuq.
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 7, 2010 at 1:22pm
It really depends on the nature of the ride (distance, type of ride, route relative to wind direction, etc.). I'd agree that if there's a significant risk of people being blown over or knocked into traffic, it might be prudent to cancel. I'd consider the current conditions worthy of cancellation unless the route is in an area fairly sheltered by trees.

Just my $0.02. Your mileage may vary....
Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on September 7, 2010 at 4:45pm
When it's windy and cold it's no good. Today was windy but not that bad.
Early spring I had my bike literally blown a foot or so sideways in one of the wind canals along Sheridan in Edgewater, that was interesting.
Permalink Reply by mindfrieze on September 8, 2010 at 2:45am
I haven't found a wind report I wouldn't ride in, but it does sway the bike and route I choose. I'd lean toward one of my bikes with many (and low) gears and a tucked riding position (versus, say, an upright single speed cruiser.) I also would avoid routes that are greatly exposed to the wind, which usually means staying off the LFT, but might also mean avoiding a direct shot up Milwaukee into a NW headwind. And as the temp starts to dip, having windproof layers (e.g. jacket/gloves) makes a big difference in comfort.
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on September 8, 2010 at 3:22am
Seconded.

It's not the wind that's a problem. It's finding protection from the wind that makes it a bit harder than just bringing out your bike, hopping on and going.

I usually take Sheridan around the cemetery right by the lake to get to work, but if it's crazily windy, I'll stick to side streets or some main artery that's not right on the lake.

mindfrieze said:
I haven't found a wind report I wouldn't ride in, but it does sway the bike and route I choose. I'd lean toward one of my bikes with many (and low) gears and a tucked riding position (versus, say, an upright single speed cruiser.) I also would avoid routes that are greatly exposed to the wind, which usually means staying off the LFT, but might also mean avoiding a direct shot up Milwaukee into a NW headwind. And as the temp starts to dip, having windproof layers (e.g. jacket/gloves) makes a big difference in comfort.
Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on September 8, 2010 at 3:37am
Its difficult to tell just from the weather report just how bad it will be. You should look at how strong the gusts are, because they often come at right angles to the main wind flow and catch you off guard. This is really scary when you have a tailwind and are hauling. Also in the city you get as Mike called them "wind canals" where the wind is channeled and amplified down the streets, look out when your are crossing an intersection of a major street with a crosswind.
Permalink Reply by Junie on September 8, 2010 at 6:41am
Haha. I have a big bike and I rode home from the loop to Ravenswood slowly...and carefully...and laughing.

chrisc927 said:
I road my dutch bike to work yesterday (upright riding position, 50 lb bike). BIG mistake. In open areas the headwind was so strong I was down to 1st gear. All I could do was laugh. I cheered the rare event of 3rd gear.
Permalink Reply by Break the Gridlock on September 8, 2010 at 2:48pm
I have never not ridden b/c of the wind, but I have on occasion cursed it. Agree with comments about having wind protection. For me, my ears and hands are the first to feel the pain when a chilly wind interrupts an otherwise pleasant afternoon.

My least favorite are cross currents, making me feel like I am going to be swept into the traffic next to me. Headwinds are a great exercise in patience and tenacity. --Gin (oops, just realized I am logged in as BTG)
Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on September 8, 2010 at 3:11pm
I check the weather on channel 5.2 but riding in the city can be better or worse depending on the direction. You can get protection from the buildings or get in a wind tunnel that will stop you dead.
For me it has to be really gusty like 30 mph then I look for the first open bike rack on the bus.
Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on September 8, 2010 at 6:11pm
Oh yeah! I ride a longtail bike and winds slow me down bigtime! Yesterday I rode the 4 miles to drop my son off at his park program and then took the train the last 5 miles in to work. The gusts had me wobbling like crazy!

And, for commuting to work, that is how I usually decide what is too windy. I start out riding and see how it goes, If the gusts push me into traffic too much or if I am exhausted after the first few miles, I find an el station and take the train the rest of the way.

Junie said:
Haha. I have a big bike and I rode home from the loop to Ravenswood slowly...and carefully...and laughing.

chrisc927 said:
I road my dutch bike to work yesterday (upright riding position, 50 lb bike). BIG mistake. In open areas the headwind was so strong I was down to 1st gear. All I could do was laugh. I cheered the rare event of 3rd gear.
Permalink Reply by Davo on September 9, 2010 at 3:57am
I hate it when the wind seems to change direction during the day. This is usually late fall to early spring, for me. I curse the heavens then for not giving me a break.

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