So as I've been (trying to, at least) training, I've noticed one thing that definitely sticks out:
When it's more windy, I'm at a total loss!
Obviously going with the wind - I'd welcome it any day! But when I am biking into the wind, I am easily slowed down AT LEAST 5+km/h and I lose any momentum. It just takes everything out of me.
Still, on these days I see other people breezing past me. Anything I can do?
I love the wind. Me and my bike against the elements. Grit your teeth on pedal on. If anything it'll make you stronger. Just keep riding and you'll build up the legs that the people passing you have.
Like hills, people either love or hate the wind. Headwinds just require you to grind it out. People that pass you are probably more experinced and better conditioned riders.
Don't worry about them, just ride your own ride at a comfortable pace that you can sustain. The more you ride, the stronger you get.
Wind is a killer for everyone, but you have to learn a few tricks to conquer it. It can also be more difficult for women or people with smaller builds. Try to spin at a constant rate whether going uphill, into the wind etc. This means that you change gears everytime your resistance increases or decreases in order to keep your cadence at the same rate. Try a higher spin rate with less resistance and see how it works. Remember you will be on your bike for 4 to 6 hours, so you don't want to build lactic acid in your big muscles by working them too hard. Good luck with your training!
gheller has good point. I'm five seven if I stand really tall. I've learned the hard way that when wind starts, I gear down, pedal easier and accept that I'm going to go slower for a period of time, but ultimately survive the distance in the end. I've burned out my thighs and such so often before I realized there is a REASON there are 27 gears on my bike. And I use the Breathe Right strips. When I'm really going hard I breathe in hard, clearly. My nostrils slam shut like a vault and oxygen is a problem. I'm wearing them for the ride. I may have a ridiculous tan line on my nose after, but I can breathe when I need it most. Just my little tip of the day.
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Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
