The more you ride, the more you respect the wind and its effect on your cycling experience; however, if your primary goal in cycling is exercise then the wind can be an ally if you use it to your advantage.
Headwind as a Resistance Tool
When we discuss wind in cycling what we are really talking about is the cumulative effect of the wind speed and the speed of the cyclist. A cyclist traveling at 30 mph (48.3 kph) in calm winds is the same as a cyclist traveling at 20 mph (32.2 kph) with a 10 mph (16.1 kph) direct headwind. Cycling in a calm wind produces an ‘x’ amount of work for the cyclist. Headwind increases that work as if the cyclist was traveling faster in calm wind. The greater the headwind, the greater the workload for the cyclist.
Conversely, a tailwind reduces the amount of work for the cyclist. It is a great feeling to be cruising down the road in a tailwind but remember, you are doing less work and therefore, the exercise value of the ride is decreased.
Headwind Increases the Workload Exponentially
A cyclist on a long ride needs to be aware of the wind conditions because a headwind increases the workload on an exponential basis. This can leave a rider far from home and trying to power through a severe headwind. It can put a cyclist in an impossible situation.
San Francisco’s Exploratorium website has a great tool for cyclists to understand the impact of headwind. It uses the cyclist weight and velocity, the wind speed, and even the grade of the road to determine the watts and calories burned.
Assuming a flat grade, calm wind, and a cyclist weight of 185 lbs. (84 kg,) the work for the cyclist traveling at 10 mph (16.1 kph) is 11. 8 watts and burning .17 calories per minute. At 20 mph (32.2 kph) the watts produced and calories burned by the cyclist increases by over seven and a half times. At 30 mph (48.3 kph,) the increase in watts produced and calories burned increases by over twenty-six times the values of traveling at 10 mph.
Watts produced and calories burned by 185 lbs. (84 kg) cyclist in calm winds on a flat grade at varying velocities.
-
10 mph = 11.8 watts and .17 calories per minute
-
20 mph = 94.0 watts and 1.3 calories per minute
-
30 mph = 317.3 watts and 4.5 calories per minute
Plan For Wind
A long ride requires good planning. Check the weather and determine the forecast for wind in your area. If possible, face the headwind at the beginning of your ride and use the tailwind on the return. Be aware that wind is not homogeneous. The wind direction may change based on topography, structures, and even vegetation. It is not uncommon in valleys for the wind to be completely opposite of higher winds aloft. Constantly evaluate the wind and how it is impacting your workout.
Kyote Bayte Cycling USA 