This will probably sound familiar: you're getting ready to go out for a bike ride, you look out the window and it seems like the trees are about to take off. But staying home is not an option. The wind, that meteorological phenomenon with such a bad reputation among cyclists, especially when it's blowing against you, can become a real challenge.
Let's see how we can live with the wind while riding a road bike, since it's a common situation for those who enjoy road cycling. In fact, learning to manage the wind is key to improving performance and preventing a ride from turning into a nightmare.
Although this problem is more obvious when we use road bikes, the truth is that cyclists who ride mountain bikes can also be affected, especially in open areas, exposed trails, or unprotected ridges. Knowing how the wind behaves and how it affects our aerodynamics and effort can make the difference between a tough day and a satisfying ride.
From adopting a more aerodynamic position to choosing more sheltered routes or knowing when to take advantage of a tailwind, there are strategies that can be applied both on road outings and mountain routes.
Learn to live with the wind
Learning to manage this situation is important. If you live in Spain, there are extensive areas of the Peninsula where wind is common. In a city like Zaragoza, for example, the wind blows for more than 200 days a year. That's quite a lot... Headwinds are a real pain. Even the toughest climb has an end, but the wind can hinder your training for days and days. Even on a calm day, a stretch of headwind can become torture. To give you an idea, let's take an example. Imagine you're riding on flat terrain in calm conditions at a speed of 25 km/h. Now imagine a headwind of 15 km/h picks up. Nothing exceptional, just the typical breeze that makes flags flutter. To reach the same speed, the effort you need to make is equivalent to climbing a 2.4% gradient. If the wind speed were double (30 km/h), which is already quite annoying, it would be equivalent to riding up a 6% gradient. Imagine climbing a pass with a 6% average at 25 km/h. That's a professional rider's pace. 
Image: Thomas Maheux / A.S.O.
But let’s be positive. When the wind blows against you, you can use it to improve your fitness. Every meter you pedal makes you work harder. Wind on the bike means greater physical demand, but also a certain mental strength to not give up. A simple trick is to set small goals along your route, as if you were climbing a mountain pass: that hill you're about to crest, the end of that straight, that cyclist you're going to overtake... After many days training against the wind, riding in calm conditions will let you see your improved fitness. In any case, don’t let the wind stop you from going out to ride, unless it’s so strong that your bike becomes unmanageable, which would be dangerous.
Adapt your gearing
There are cyclists determined to fight the wind in a nearly heroic way. You’ll spot them because they pedal with difficulty, with an almost ridiculous cadence, in slow motion. As if riding with an easy gear seemed beneath them. Avoid that image at all costs. Besides being pathetic, your knees and motivation will suffer much less. Treat headwinds as if they were a climb. Shift up to easier gears and ride with a lively cadence, without worrying about speed. Remember: in a head-to-head, the wind always wins, and by K.O.
Adopt an aerodynamic position
When we pedal, between 70 and 80% of the wind resistance of the bike-rider combo comes from our body. To ride against the wind, lower your position on the bike until your back is almost flat. Place your hands on the brake hoods or on the drops of the handlebars. Try to keep your forearms as horizontal as possible. The idea is that the wind doesn’t hit your body directly, but slides over it. 
Image: Gorfer
You may feel strange riding tucked like a time trialist at 20 km/h or less, but any aerodynamic advantage counts. It’s also true that for some cyclists, riding on the drops for a long time is too much effort. Therefore, it’s advisable to train in this position from time to time to get used to it. When the wind is strong, you’ll immediately notice how every change in position directly affects your aerodynamic performance. Find your ideal position by placing your hands in different parts of the handlebars, moving your elbows in and out, or slightly changing your back position. It’s all a matter of practice.
Take care of your gear
Loose clothing can be your downfall on days with headwinds or crosswinds. You might turn into a sort of sailboat adrift. Besides, it’s a mortal aesthetic sin for an aspiring cyclist. Imagine, for example, that you put on a rain jacket to descend a mountain pass. It’s common for this garment not to fit perfectly to the body, so it starts to flap like a flag, clearly slowing you down.
Against the wind, better in a group
On windy days, it is advisable to ride in a group. The kilometers will fly by, quite literally. To give you an idea, drafting allows you to save around 35% of energy compared to the cyclist riding in the first position of the group. In any case, be careful not to get too close to the tire of the cyclist in front of you. If you touch it, you'll fall victim to the classic 'afilador' crash. You could be thrown off and fall to the ground, putting yourself and your group at risk.
If the wind is coming from the side, protection will only be possible if you position yourself on the opposite side from where the wind is blowing. In this case, keep in mind that in Spain, the law prohibits riding in parallel in more than two columns of riders.
Adapt your routes to the wind
When you go out cycling in the wind, choose routes with shelter so you can enjoy some respite during your ride: alleyways, forests, the protection of mountains... Another option is to design routes with changes of direction. Or, if not, ride against the wind until you get tired and return with a tailwind. You'll feel stronger as you approach the end of your ride and you'll get home thinking you're a better cyclist than you really are. 😄 With a tailwind, you'll be tempted to coast or pedal gently. If you still have energy, don't do it. Take advantage and keep pushing to finish your ride like a titan. Big chainring, small cog, and full gas all the way to the finish. You'll make up for lost time and your training will be more complete. 
Watch out for crosswinds and gusts.
If a headwind is uncomfortable, a crosswind can be just as annoying. And dangerous. When it is steady, it is usually easy to manage. The problem arises with gusty winds. In this case, you should take extra precautions. Especially if your bike has wide-profile wheels. If you are riding on roads with heavy traffic, keep in mind the turbulence caused by large vehicles traveling in your direction. Likewise, it is not advisable to ride on the far right edge of the pavement, as a gust of wind could send you into the ditch. Another key issue is handling gusts of wind on steep and winding descents. In this case, changes in direction and the tilt of your bike can destabilize you. Be very careful when exiting tunnels as well. You could encounter an unexpected gust of wind. In situations of strong crosswinds, pedal instead of just coasting down the slope. The more traction, the more manageable your bike will be. Lower your body position and apply force to the front wheel, as this is the one that can get you into trouble. In this regard, the wider the tires, the more they will grip the ground, which will provide extra safety and stability. 
In any case, a bit of practice and calm will allow you to handle these situations. If you let fear take hold, your position on the bike will become rigid. As a result, the bike will be unstable and you will put yourself in danger. Many times, it is fear that causes the accident, rather than the wind itself. The more you obsess over a dangerous situation, the more likely you are to fall into its trap.