Wind Surfing

Three new ways to make the most of even the worst winds.

Ride on Sheltered Roads

When it comes to wind, not all roads are the same, even if they point in a similar direction. Suburban roads offer the protection of trees and elevation, so look for obstacles that will affect a crosswind. Brace for a blast of air when approaching gaps between buildings at intersections, or when cars or trucks pass.

Mind Your Traction

A crosswind applies lateral force to tyres. So if the wind blows from the left and you also lean left in a turn, the airflow is more likely to kick your wheels to the right – and out from beneath you. Alternatively, a crosswind from the opposite direction will generate downforce, and increase your traction.

Team Up

When you’re drafting, the sweet spot relative to those breaking the wind (so to speak) is behind them and off to the side, since air resistance is a combination of adjacent wind and your forward progress through it. In a paceline, form an echelon by lining up in a diagonal, swinging off on the windy side when your turn at the front is done.