Does the high wind forcast keep you off your bike?

My family says I am little hard headed...OK, very hard headed. I am looking forward to my first Bike Winter this year, and am happy with my set up for rain, but what about this wind in the forecast for Wednesday afternoon and through Thursday? Do you ride in it?

Last week, when we had a bit of wind, I did have to watch that I wasn't blown sideways in to cars....I think it was Saturday that it almost happened. That scares me. Now the work out you get riding in to the wind is awesome and this old lady loves to play and let the wind bring her to a stop. And with a tailwind I feel 12 years old!

Any opinions?

Michelle

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kelly on October 20, 2011 at 9:18am

Yep. We don't own a car, so not riding is not an option. Well, I could take public transit but I kind of hate it. So, I ride.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C on October 20, 2011 at 9:49am

Today was much more pleasant than yesterday.

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Permalink Reply by kiltedcelt on October 20, 2011 at 10:48am

I was going to ride into the Loop yesterday via the LFP. I got about 3/4 of a mile before I just had to give up. The wind was far too intense even for me. The thought of having to shift into my granny ring just to pedal on the flats is where I draw the line. I chickened out and took the bus into the Loop. However, I did take the LFP back home from the Riverwalk southwards. With that tailwind, man I was FLYING!!!

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Permalink Reply by Melanie K on October 20, 2011 at 10:52am

Today was much more pleasant with regards to the wind and rain. And for those of us who braved the wind, rain and cold yesterday, it should be a piece of cake to do it today.

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Permalink Reply by mike w. on October 20, 2011 at 12:56pm

Riding NB on Sheridan last night was interesting... went down alleys when possible for wind shelter and less traffic to get blown into. Got caught in a good gust at Sherwin and was blown to a standstill... After i rounded the cemetary curve at the Evanston line i noticed the taste of sand... and i was covered in sand from the lake spray. It felt worse than hail. Fun ride.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Kitzmann on October 20, 2011 at 1:11pm

Not sure why everyone freaks out about the wind, just bike a little bit smarter and be prepared for gusts. Watching out for cabs and buses are far more dangerous IMO. Now ice on the other hand, that shit is mad sketchy.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Kitzmann on October 20, 2011 at 1:12pm

For true, the bus and the train are just turrible. I'd rather ride in the wind and rain anyday.

chixieonfixie said:

This is a tough couple of days to commute coming up, but I find taking the train far more depressing so I will make my usual commute by bike.

I would advise reading the advisory before embarking, however...sounds like a lot of rain coming our way!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-high-wind-lak...

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Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on October 20, 2011 at 5:04pm

Last night on my way to work at 4pm it was slow and steady against the wind and rain heading north on Elston...basically right into the wind. On the way home at 9pm it was wet...but the with the wind at my back, I was all smiles (folks must have thought I was crazy).

It always helps to have some rain gear on...when I get soaked..it makes it much harder.

Then I worked this morning and was heading north again at 7am...started raining but the wind wasn't as bad...coming home at 3pm this afternoon was a breeze(no pun).

I'm fine tuning my winter gear and these last couple days has given me some good ideas at what I need to get.

1. some waterproof shoes, or something for my feet(chuck taylors only keep water off my toes)

2. water resistant gloves

3. different weather proof pants(leaking at the inner seam)

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Stenzel on October 20, 2011 at 5:05pm

FYI that I just ran on the LFT along Lincoln Park, and I've never seen so much sand caking the trail before. Right near the North Avenue Beach pedestrian bridge, it's hard packed sand two inches deep covering the entire paved area, gradually lessening as you reach Fullerton. It's not going to be fun to bike on until they plow it. Great to run on, though!

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Permalink Reply by Peenworm Grubologist on October 21, 2011 at 11:11am

I've got too much tied up into maintaining a daily routine, almost entirely rotating around dropping off my kid in the morning and picking him up from his after-school activities after I get out of work to not ride every day. I don't have to worry about variables like traffic or CTA delays and I can keep on schedule by keeping my cadance steady even if the weather makes my legs die for a few hours afterwards.