First, I am in Florida, so no jokes about how I got it easy. December through March can be very windy. I developed a great interval training for the wind. My route is basically to ride north or south into the wind, out and back. Here's the training. Out of the saddle, into the wind, huge gear 53 16/18. 15, 30, 45, 60-second pyramid with alternating recoveries - 5-15 minutes. If you can call it recovery, riding into a 15-20 mph block headwind! Avg. speed is around 15mph and 25 with the tailwind heading home. Great hill training, watts, endurance, heart rate.
Location: Northern Florida, USA
(01-29-2024, 03:46 PM)SPINMAN Wrote: First, I am in Florida, so no jokes about how I got it easy. December through March can be very windy. I developed a great interval training for the wind. My route is basically to ride north or south into the wind, out and back. Here's the training. Out of the saddle, into the wind, huge gear 53 16/18. 15, 30, 45, 60-second pyramid with alternating recoveries - 5-15 minutes. If you can call it recovery, riding into a 15-20 mph block headwind! Avg. speed is around 15mph and 25 with the tailwind heading home. Great hill training, watts, endurance, heart rate.
I just had that type of ride (Gainesville to Starke FL) except the intervals were only at stoppages (8 over 26 miles); but I was riding into a 15mph headwind, and steady climb. I worked at 44T x 13, keeping my average speed @ 14.5mph into the wind. I did not do the return trip, but I probably would have averaged just over 20mph on the tailwind leg if completing a half century continuous ride.
Take care,
Jesper
"I am become Death, the destroyer of bicycles." NJS
Just curious how you do this interval training. I have a Garmin watch to keep track of mileage/stats but haven't used it beyond that. What's a good way to train, instead of just riding? I mostly choose hilly routes to get some challenges in but that's about it. Any pointers are helpful. Thanks
Oval rings are a must for me. I'm constantly traveling west, which is where the wind blows from constantly.
I'm also constantly climbing Ohio hills.
Oval rings really bring those challenges within grasp with the extra drive they provide.
Have you thought about training with a parachute? I had once, but the thought of it alone kinda drains me when I'm already constantly against the wind and uphill. The conditions I face can be grueling alone.