Water is an asshole, at least when it comes to bicycles. So is wind, now that I think of it; I don’t love it, unless its at my back, but that rarely seems to happen even on out-and-back routes. Fire’s not winning any prizes either, unless you’re talking about the hunk-a-hunka burnin’ V. Even le soleil isn’t scoring points for either the bike or the rider, unless given in carefully-controlled amounts, a fact which has large portions of the Pacific Northwest – perhaps the gloomiest place on Earth – buying up more high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses per capita than any other place in the civilized world.
In other words, Nature’s a bit of a beyotch.
As far as our bikes go, water seems to be the biggest of these opponents. When I rode the 7-hour Heck of the North over clay-gravel roads in wind and rain; the wind was unpleasant but it left no indelible mark on me, apart from some sore muscles. The rain, on the other hand, combined with the clay from the roads to form a slurry that destroyed every bearing in my bike save one – not to mention the quarter cup of slurry that found its way into my chamois. The replacement bearings took a few weeks to source and install; the damage from the sandy chammy took over a month to heal. Water – and the additional wear it imposes on the machine (and sometimes our bodies), is not to be under estimated.
Water also introduces direct challenges while riding, the nuances of which can be explored while climbing or cornering by means of spinning out and crashing, respectively. Things get particularly interesting right around the freezing point, where the laws of physics governing cornering take on The Price is Right rules.
I have long espoused the merits of riding in bad weather; it removes the seductive qualities of riding a bike that see the weekend warriors flocking to the sport in droves during the summer months. In bad weather, the simple act of going out is already enough to make you feel the strength of your resolve as a Cyclist. But the fundamental pleasure of riding remains the same, with the added bonus of the clothing we wear making us look like the hardmen from Belgium and the dripping of water from our cycling caps serving as a metronome as we tap out our lonely path towards Mount Velomis.
We don’t ride because we love tree-lined boulevards and sunny afternoons; we ride because we love testing ourselves against our minds and the elements. There is a simple pleasure to be found in enduring a challenge; to learn to face hardship with a welcoming smile is a gift that riding a bicycle uniquely helps us discover.
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@Al__S
Was that the Flat Out in the Fens? I was on that too. First 120 K was fine(ish) and averaging near 30 kph then the last 60 K straight into that gale. As you say 'orrible. Grovelling by the finish was I - anyone I tried to hook up with just sat on my wheel. Planning to go back next year and hoping to avoid another Fen blow.
Doing a light training ride in wet weather is one thing, but I cannot imagine racing in terrible weather. I still think I hate wind more though, as you can't see it from that kitchen window, so it fucks around with ya more than the rain, which is a bit more obvious.
Boy oh boy, riding only in nice, warm weather sounds terribly boring.
I know what it is to feel like the wind is constantly in my face (in more ways than one) living on Maryland's Eastern Shore. I'll often think to myself 'How can this be? It's the same road...all I did was turn around?' I guess that's what you get when you live near water on land as flat as a pancake.
@Ron It is boring, moved from my dear Portland to Pasadena last year (grad school). While the PNW may be a bit over the top as far as crap weather goes, I miss it dearly. I would rather battle the weather than the Socal drivers.
The worst rides are always the best rides. Blast lube through speedplays regularly, if adhering to rule V.
Wind is a manifestation of group thinking. I try to ignore it, and think through it.
Rain is ok, it's the gritty sand from a wet road thrown all over my bike I hate.
Haven't had a super shitty ride here in SE Wisconsin yet this fall. Been pretty chilly but dry. Winds have actually been ok - yesterday was nice - 34 degrees with a faint tail wind home. A nice change as my usual routes mean a head wind home is the norm.
Salt has already been put down so that's ominous - that crap mixed with melted snow/ice will really trash your gear/bike.
I agree though - it's not a winter ride till the bike is seriously messed up and the booties are coated in frozen slush.
that last paragraph is one for the ages. well fucking said indeed..
Rode 20k of a 50k loop into a brutal headwind. I kept thinking about trying be aerodynamic and to flow through the wind rather than push against it. Flat back and all that wonderful stuff. I had the wind at my back for the homeward stretch thank goodness. As far as rain goes, I enjoy it up to a point. When it gets to be a deluge and the water is flowing over my rims because the storm drains can't keep up, I will admit I usually find the trainer, or just work on my recovery drinking without anything to recover from.
my last MTB ride was in some of the worst side winds ever. keeping the front wheel on the foot wide trail was a real challenge. my friend and I did 19 miles in that. my arms where as sore as my legs. great ride!