like a hurricane

Up at just before 5 this morning. Last night's heavy wind had made way for strong winds. I went outside to check the weather. The plan was a 2.5h Teradomari loop down by the sea. In that wind I'd be there in no time but would really struggle to get back. Change of plan. A 2h Takayanagi loop in the hills. Chance for 30 more minutes in bed.

On the road at 530. What a wind. A super strong westerly Up the right hand side of the Nota valley, a little protection from the side wind coming from the right.

Into Nota. Komura Toge opens up the natural barrier. Like a hurricane! Head wind, side wind, tail wind. It takes concentration to keep the bike upright.

Up the pass to Ukawa. 13% with a headwind! Great!

Next up the tunnel. A wind tunnel. I don't know the science behind it. Sucked in. 50 kmph. Fire out the other end like a Champagne cork. Downhill. Blast of a headwind. Hard to keep 30 kmph on the down hill.

Ishiguro to Takayanagi. The wind's on my back now. Up and down. Big ring. Aerobars. Fabian Cancellara.

Takayanagi to Kashiwazaki. Side wind again. This time on the left. Watch the landscape. Prepare for blasts from the side.

These days winds don't bother me like they used to. Maybe I'm stronger. Or maybe just heavier!

Friday's asaren: Takayanagi loop (58 km, 465 m climbing, 30 kmph)