FujiKid

Blessing: It's just so beautiful riding the 101, rancho santa fe, del dios routes. The beach truly is gorgeous, and the weather is so nice.

Curse: THE WIND.

It seems the closer you live to the ocean, the more windy it gets and all my routes usually seem to be going STRAIGHT into a headwind which makes the actual RIDING seem un-enjoyable. Any tips of how to make riding more fun when there's a nasty head wind in my way?

maddmike

Wait until you see what the salt water spray does to parts of you bike. It's a good idea to wipe exposed metal off with fresh water after you ride near the coast.

Genaro

Just remember that although the scenery may not change as fast on you when its windy, you're still getting a good work out, maybe even better! It's all abour wattage.

idoru2005

You haven't ridden in California wind until you've ridden in Death Valley against a 50-60 mph constant headwind. We're not talking gusts, but constant wind. 50 mph gusty crosswinds are yet another story!

Flying Merkel

I try to set up my rides so I'm riding into the headwind on the way and tailwind home. Though once I fought the wind from Costa Mesa to Seal Beach only to have a Santa Ana come up on the way home.

calamarichris

Haha--you'd've loved Death Valley this weekend. 50+mph sustained winds through some places. I was pedaling hard in my 39-28 DOWN an 8% grade, and still wasn't able to get above 10mph. It was completely ridiculous!

Every pitcher of blessing contains a shotglass of curse, and vice-versa. If you think the wind is bad here, just move to Nebraska or North Dakota. It will make our sultry breezes feel like the gentle whisperings of an angel by comparison.

Rick@OCRR

It's so great to ride in SoCal and I particularly like the mountain roads . . . that when you do have to put up with some wind, that's just part of the experience and really not so bad.

The worst part of SoCal for me is the traffic getting to and home from big event rides. Other than that, everything else is pretty easy to deal with, even the wind.

Rick / OCRR

sdgrannygear

how do you make it more fun? pedal harder and think of how much stronger you are getting. My issue with living here is that you have to climb hills everywhere, my commute hits 3 major climbs. I turn that into a mental exercise in thinking I'm attacking Contador. That's on a good day, on a bad day, I just curse myself for living in an inconvenient area as well as paying a ridiculous amount for it.

jmX

Preach it! You getting a power meter?

HBxRider

I find the wind here is rarely strong enough to make riding unreasonable. Any winds under 20mph I see as a good thing, and a nice way to bring some challenge to even level trails like SART. I'm surprised how few people ride trails that get the headwind, compared to how many are riding with the tailwind. Many seem to avoid wind like the plague. They should toughen up a bit. Cycling is a sport of pain!

Genaro

Reallly thinking about it, but haven't started my research yet. Not looking to spend my duaghters college fund either!

Jan Feetz

"If the wind is not against you, it is not blowing"-James E. Starrs

Mr. Beanz

This surprises me. If the winds forecast says 40+, riders are scarce on the trail. Heck, we've learned to enjoy it.

But thanks to the windless riders, we've pretty much got the trail to ourselves that day.

Genaro

Beanz, I didn't see you guys on the trail Sunday!.
Was out there from 9-11:45 Roundtrip from Weir Canyon to PCH!

Mr. Beanz

Gina's father passed away, we were at his funeral.

jmX

Sorry to hear that Beanz.

Genaro

Sorry to hear that. Your absnece did not go unnoticed!

Mr. Beanz

Thanks guys! ...I started a thread to avoid the high jack.

LeeRoySD

I definitely tend to see living in SD as more of a blessing... I try and view the "onshore flow" as an opportunity to work on seeing how long I can stay in the drops down out of it as much as possible. I will also sometimes plan my rides out to the coast in the mornings before it picks up and enjoy the ride home (back to Escondido) with that nice cool tailwind. It is fairly predictable unless there is an abnormal weather pattern moving through the area.

FujiKid

ANOTHER damn day of wind... does anyone have any good tips for fighting strong headwinds..?


- Obviously HTFU, which I do.. but I always do.. but the riding just gets so un pleasant after a while..

- Granny gear?

- any good websites where I can read about various techniques? How to ride? ect..


much appreciated!

mtvelo39

When the wind is blowing strong, practice getting as aerodynamic as possible, lower a gear or two, and work on your cadence...Think of it as wind tunnel training with a great view...

Jan Feetz

Depending on were your start point is, ride into the wind. You'll have a tailwind on your return. Its a little like training in hills. Embrace the wind and love it, she is your friend.

CbadRider

+1 Plan your route around the wind.

I took the Metrolink up north on Sunday and rode home. 60+ miles with a tailwind.