I had a very discouraging training ride yesterday that began with the first 30 kms directly into a 25 kmh headwind (in the Ottawa area). It felt like my brakes were on the whole ride and sucked all my energy.
Of course, on the way home, the wind changed direction slightly and abated, so I didn't get the benefit.
I eventually did 70 kms but felt awful. (I've done 50 kms training rides recently that left me fresh as a daisy).
My question: What have the winds been like on past rides? The first day is largely a southwest route, which is directly into the prevailing wind for the region, is it not? Or does the lake moderate the effect?
See my post "Advice Please". I asked about headwind and such. I personally don't think that the lake helps very much, I find that the opposite happens (I live and ride near the lake).
My first year (two years ago) I did the 200k on a mountain bike, and I'd have to say that the weather was just about perfect. No rain, very little wind that I recall and not crushingly hot.
Last year, on the mile course there was rain... bad at times.... and gusts of wind but nothing consistent.
I've heard from riders who were in the 2008 event that the one thing you should fear is wind on day 2. Day 1 you're still fresh and you don't notice the breeze as much, or you're sheltered from it by trees / buildings / landscape. Day 2 is a wide open route across the Niagara Penninsula. It's very flat with little in the way of shelter... so on a calm day it's easy... but (from what I hear) if you get a strong, steady headwind then there's nowhere to hide.... and you're already tired after Day 1.
Tip for wind riding: be patient, curse often.
-- Edited by MysteryBee on Wednesday 1st of June 2011 12:36:30 PM
2010 ride, I found wind wasn't a problem. Aside from being a bit wet on day two, the weather was perfect.
All of my training rides so far this year have had lots of wind, I think we hit 35km/h one day, and I know it defies the laws of physics, but for some reason I spent my entire ride riding into the wind haha.
NOW that was a wind!!! I rode to Oakville and back today and on the way out it was blowing so hard you could barely make headway at times. Home was fun 38-42 kph.
suggestion, pop an energy gel pack into your mouth. I tired one of these for the first time last week. Took it at 56km into my ride and wow, it took me all the way home (81km), into the wind and at record speed. They take about 10 minutes to kick in. I took the one with no caffeine. Needless to say I have 5 of them for the 2 day ride. I plan on taking one just before going down into Dundas to get me back up that long 6km climb up Hamilton mountain.
suggestion, pop an energy gel pack into your mouth. I tired one of these for the first time last week. Took it at 56km into my ride and wow, it took me all the way home (81km), into the wind and at record speed. They take about 10 minutes to kick in. I took the one with no caffeine. Needless to say I have 5 of them for the 2 day ride. I plan on taking one just before going down into Dundas to get me back up that long 6km climb up Hamilton mountain.
Gels are great (and often a staple) if you train with them. However, I would be warry of trying them for the first time during the ride. There are many different types, all of which have the potential to reacted differently (good or bad) with each individual.
The last thing you would want is to spend a good portion of your day in a port-o-potty because you tried a new gel that didn't mesh with your system!
