How do you feel about wind?

\”I saw you toss the kites on high…\”

I remember memorizing that poem when I was in first grade. Now I have to look it up if I want to know how it goes because I\’ve forgotten at least half of it!

It\’s a nice poem; but if the wind is blowing as hard as that, it won\’t be so nice riding. How often it seems to be blowing against us as we ride! The perception of \”always a headwind\” isn\’t so far off, according to The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling. There\’s a trailing arc of 160 degrees behind a rider where the breeze is helpful (see pg. 46). Otherwise, air in motion can be a big hindrance.

I agree with the book\’s statement that \”…a pure crosswind is the worst.\” I\’ve been out in 20 mph crosswinds; and getting a drink was a major chore. Trying to control the bike with one hand while I handled the water bottle was so difficult, that I had to stop when I wanted a drink. It didn\’t help that it was drizzling as well.

Not to say that battling a stiff headwind for mile after mile isn\’t difficult. It, too, can make bike control tricky. Thus I\’ll let the wind go blow kites and birds around; but it\’s welcome to let us cyclists alone.