Riding in the Wind

[Dannosarusrex]

Ok, I have layers for the cold. But what about the wind. Planning a hwy ride about 45 min long and the forecast is for 40 degrees with 16-17 mph wind SSE. When the wind is that strong do you just fight against it by leaning into it or do you cancel the ride?


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[7s1amma7]

im a fair weather rider i wouldnt even consider it. But I was at the bike store this weekend and it was comparable temps and lots of guys rode their bikes in.

[CBH]

I've done it...but it's not enjoyable.

[spicoli512]

Forums are great for asking technical or mechanical advice like "how do I clean my carbs" or "what rear tires are giving the best performance / milage."

Forums are NOT good for personal judgements like "am I ready to ride on the hwy in high wind conditions" when we know highway speeds make you nervous.

If you have to ask....You are probably not ready.

[hootywho]

You could do it, but it takes the fun out of the ride in my opinion. You wont be focusing on the ride. You are going to be focused on not killing yourself the entire time. I would cancel, but that is just me.

[Dannosarusrex]

spicoli512,
You misread my post. I'm not interested in what you think I should do regarding riding in high wind conditions. I'm interested in how YOU ALL deal with windy conditions. In my last post that you responded to you stated that I should park the bike until I complete the BRC and that I should avoid highways until my riding skills become spontaneous. Well, I disagree. Even after the BRC I doubt my skills will be spontaneous. That takes practice, which is what I'm doing.


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[Lukeduck]

The wind alone shouldn't give you much problem unless you get 30+ mph gusts. Wind does take some fun out of riding. Relax and don't fight it. The tighter you hang on the rougher it gets. Wind is a fact of life when riding. Practice, practice, practice. Ride safe, far, and often---Luke

[spicoli512]

Hey Danno,

You are right, I misread your question. You certainly were asking for advice on how the COMMUNITY handles riding in the wind. Your other post was asking for opinions on what a new rider would want to consider, so I confused the two. For opinion topics (like your previous post) the forums aren't just for agreeing with each other, you know?

Just so you know, here is why I'm a fan of the BRC. The lesson modules build off each other so every subsequent lesson incorporates the basics you've picked up along the way. Its amazing how intuitive things like, proper turning strategies, gear selection, emergency maneuvers become after only 2-3 days. Eventually you'll feel your movements become more instinctive. I think its been mentioned by a lot of new riders on this forum that they replicate the lessons on their own time which is great practice.

In my class there were 1 or 2 "experienced" riders that made the class much more difficult than it had to be because they brought with them very strong opinions and behaviors that were contrary to BRC best practices. I'm sure you won't be....but don't be that guy because its disruptive to everyone else.

If you wait or don't wait be ride safely - matt

[Buicknick72]

"If anything is gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there." - Captain Ron.

Go for it. Riding in the wind isn't any trouble, especially on these cruisers.
Don't focus on "leaning into the wind", focus on keeping the bike in the line you want, the rest will follow.

CT isn't a very windy place so I've never gauged MPH of wind, but just checked and the wind in the 10day forecast is between 10-23mph. So based on that 16mph is nothing to worry about. I wouldn't even think about it.

[93gc40]

Originally Posted by Dannosarusrex

Ok, I have layers for the cold. But what about the wind. Planning a hwy ride about 45 min long and the forecast is for 40 degrees with 16-17 mph wind SSE. When the wind is that strong do you just fight against it by leaning into it or do you cancel the ride?


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You basically lean into the wind, but never fight it. A 16-17 mph breeze is nothing to the bike. Unless its dead side-on and/or gusty. Its the gusts that get you wether from the wind or the truck you just passed. Thing to think about with riding in the wind is if it is going to stop. Say you leaning a little into a breeze, and a truck or building goes by on that side. All the sudden wind is gone and you are moving TOWARD the truck/building. Then just a fast the blockage clears and the breeze is pushing you the otherway. Points is to be ready for it and to not over or under react.