Forces of Nature

How Hills, Wind, Temperature and Altitude Affect your Cycling Speed

By Michael Smith

Road cyclists are generally very aware of the things they can control that affect their speed on the bike. Training and improved riding technique can certainly increase speed. However, out on the road the cyclist is also at the mercy of the forces of nature.  Environmental conditions, including hills, wind, temperature, and altitude can affect a rider's speed as much or more than the things under the rider's control.  In this eArticle, Michael Smith, a Nasa scientist and roadie, provides an overview of these forces of nature and some useful "rules of thumb" that can be used to estimate their affect on your speed.

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