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If you’ve ever wondered why your bike suddenly feels like it’s dragging an invisible anchor, congratulations – you’ve met the cyclist’s nemesis: headwind.
And I bet it mostly happens when you’re running late! 😂
I found a Reddit thread talking about the problem and it gave me the idea to write this post
I’m sharing some tips I use when I have to ride into them (or when trying to avoid them!), along with some tips from the thread.
And believe it or not, sometimes they can actually work in your favor, and dare I say it you might actually like them. Ok, I’m talking this up too much now!
Plan: Start Your Ride Into the Wind
Here’s what I learned the hard way: always check your weather app before heading out! Wind direction (and strength) is just as important as whether it’s going to rain.
These days, I plan my routes like I’m going on holiday.
If I’m doing a loop, I’ll tackle that headwind first while I’m still fresh and caffeinated. Trust me, your tired legs will thank you later when you’re cruising home with a tailwind.
But, what if you’re a bike commuter?
You might be surprised how many alternative routes are available.
Sometimes a slightly longer route with less wind resistance actually gets me to my destination faster than battling a headwind head-on.
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Focus on Effort, Not Speed
Want to know what drives cyclists crazy?
Watching their speed drop by 5-10mph while putting out the same power. I know I don’t like it.
Here’s the mental shift that changed everything for me: headwinds are just invisible hills. When you’re climbing, you don’t expect to maintain your flat-ground speed, right?
The same principle applies here.
Instead of watching your speed, focus on maintaining a consistent effort level. I like to keep an eye on my breathing rate or, if you have one, your heart rate or power, if you have access to those real-time stats.
Quick tips for maintaining sanity:
- Keep your cadence steady
- Focus on your breathing rhythm (or heart rate/power (watts)
- Ignore your speed display
- Think about form, not force
“The only thing that helped me not get frustrated about headwinds was stopping caring about speed and focusing more on my current heart rate zone and overall time in the saddle.” – yukj
Get Smart About Wind Breaks
Those tall buildings and tree lines aren’t just scenery – they’re your friends in the battle against headwinds.
Think of your route like a game of Tetris.
Sometimes a slightly longer path with natural windbreaks beats a direct route straight into the wind.
Here’s what to look for on windy days:
- Tree-lined streets
- Tall building corridors
- Dense hedgerows
- Protected bike paths
- Lower elevation routes
Remember those physics lessons about wind tunnels?
Well, wide-open spaces are your enemy when it’s gusty. I’ve learned to save my exposed riverside routes for calmer days.
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Master Your Position
Even on my hybrid bike, I’ve found ways to cheat the wind.
It’s all about reducing that frontal area – basically, making yourself as small as possible against the wind.
The trick is finding a balance between aerodynamics and comfort. I’m not suggesting you try to mimic Tour de France riders (especially not on a flat-bar bike).
💭 Here’s my simple approach: bring your elbows in closer to your body, lower your head slightly, and relax your shoulders. Think of yourself as trying to slip through the wind rather than fighting it.
Just remember to keep your head up enough to see where you’re going….even the fastest position isn’t worth riding into a pothole!
“Try to get lower than you normally ride. Grip the inside of your bars, bend your elbows and arch your back with your head (mostly) down.” – no-name_james
Gear Down, Don’t Grind
Here’s something I wish someone had told me when I started cycling: fighting a headwind isn’t about raw power.
It’s about finding your rhythm.
When that wind hits, shift down a gear or two lower than you’d normally use. Your instinct might be to muscle through it, but that might be a fast track to burning out.
What you’re looking for is that sweet spot where you can maintain a steady cadence. I aim for around 80-90 rpm, even if it means going slower than I’d like.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t try to climb a hill in your highest gear, would you?
Same principle applies here.
Dress for Success
Your clothing choice can make a surprising difference in how much the wind affects your ride.
Those flappy clothes aren’t just annoying – they’re actually making your ride harder.
This video talks about how tighter fitting lycra can help with “aero”.
What works for me:
- Close-fitting jerseys or jackets
- Zip up those loose layers
- Avoid dangling straps
- Consider wind-specific gear for regular rides
- Tuck in any loose clothing
Time Your Rides Smart
This isn’t always the case, but oftentimes mornings are usually your friend. Wind tends to pick up as the day heats up.
I ride my longer rides in early mornings, especially during summer. Not only do you avoid the worst of the wind, but you’ll also dodge that midday heat.
Longer rides are almost always better done earlier in the day so that you have the rest of the day to yourself anyway!
“the best tip i have is to leave very early in the morning when the wind is calmer.” – SunshineInDetroit
Find Your Rhythm
Think of riding into the wind like dancing – it’s all about finding your groove.
This means maintaining a steady effort level that you can sustain. Don’t surge when the wind drops briefly – it’ll just make the next gust feel worse.
Focus on keeping your pedaling smooth and consistent. It’s almost meditative once you get into it.
Team Up: Ride In A Group
Here’s a game-changer if you’ve got cycling pals: taking turns at the front.
The physics are simple – the person behind uses about 30% less energy.
🤔 Don’t have a riding partner?
Look for local cycling groups. Even casual group rides can make windy days more manageable.
Just remember the golden rule of group riding: take your turn at the front when you can, but be honest about your limits.
Embrace the Challenge
Let’s get real for a moment: headwinds aren’t going anywhere. They’re part of cycling, just like hills and rain.
I’ve learned to reframe these windy rides as strength training. Every headwind is making you stronger, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
Some people call this “character building“. As in, you build up your character (become more stoic) when you ride in tougher conditions
Think of it this way: when you do get that perfect calm day, you’ll appreciate it so much more. Plus, you’ll be surprised at how much stronger you’ve become after all that headwind riding!
Congratulations, You’re Now A Wind Warrior!
Start implementing these tips, and you’ll find your windy rides becoming more manageable.
And hey, next time you’re cruising along with a tailwind, make sure to enjoy every second of it – you’ve earned it!
Are there any ideas we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below
