The weather forecast for yesterday was for a cold front blowing in during the afternoon with strong east winds. Since there was no precipitation predicted I decided to go ahead and commute to work on my bike.
I commute year round, through rain and darkness, but draw the line when I think safety is compromised. So I don’t ride if the streets will be slick with snow or ice (at least, not on purpose), or if stormy conditions might impede motorists’ visibility of cyclists. I avoid strong or gusty winds, too, as they can blow you out of your bike lane.
The morning commute was a blast, with a strong tailwind most of the way. I was flying along at 22 mph and feeling calm air, so the wind velocity must have been close to that. I knew I would pay the price on the commute home.
I had an appointment come up so had to leave work mid-afternoon, right in the thick of the peak of the windstorm. The first leg was a half mile heading north, so I had to contend with gusty side winds from the east. Not good, but I managed. I then turned east for 7+ miles of 30+ mph headwinds. I had to gear down and just pedal away at a slow speed. The straight on head wind was good news/bad news. Good that gusts weren’t blowing me sideways, bad that I had to work hard to move forward.
I had to contend with tree branches and debris blown down onto the road, and a couple of downed trees partly blocking the way. I did worry a bit about a large branch or tree coming down on me. But, after a much longer than normal duration, I made it home fine. Was it worth it, and would I do it again? While it is satisfying to accomplish hard things I think this experience crossed the safety line I draw for myself. So next time (perhaps even today or tomorrow) I may have to hang my head and drive a car to work.
Flags blowing straight out:
The first four miles had pretty open terrain, so little protection from buildings or trees:
I told you how the Bethany bike lane was full of crud. Forgot to tell you about the dead raccoon. It straddled the bike lane so that a cyclist had to veer into traffic to avoid it. Then last night when I passed it, it was closer to the curb, freeing up the bike lane. I have no idea how it got moved.