Which is Harder: A Steep Hill or a Strong Head Wind?

April 3, 2010,

What a ride. I left the home about 10:30 am it was sunny and expected to get into the high 60s. Two miles into the ride it was foggy and cool. The computer said the wind would be out of the south but only between 5 and 10 mph. I wanted to keep the ride flat so I rode to Sandy Hook which was north, thus I had the wind to back going out. I knew it would be in my face coming home but it did not seem to bad. Got to the Hook and the sun came out for a while. Did some loops on the hook. As I did I could feel the wind start to pick up. By the time I was ready to head home the wind was blowing between 15 and 25 mph. Not fun at all. I just put my head down and started pedaling. I was lucky if I could get the speed up to 13 mph.

This was a mental test. I could have gone inland and avoided the harsh wind. But I said no and really got serious and continued. It was about 20 miles directly into the wind. Now to my question. There is no doubt in my mind that a steep hill is a lot easier that a strong head wind. Why? Because the hill will eventually end. The wind just keeps blowing and blowing and blowing.

Today I was on the bike 45 minutes longer than yesterday. It was also the first time I did back to back 5 hour plus days. As soon as the weather gets a little warmer I will put 3 long days one after the other.

Crunches: 400
Push ups: 100

Total Distance: 80 miles
Total Time: 5 hours and 45 minutes

Phil