"What to do to have the wind at your back (spoiler: nothing)" - Cyclist in the Karkonosze Mountains

In the Karkonosze Mountains, the wind has a personality. And a… dominant one at that.
He doesn't care that you have a training session planned, that you want to beat a segment, that today was supposed to be "easy".
It blows however it wants. From whichever direction it wants. And usually straight to the forehead .

And that's why this guide was created.
Although I warn you: nothing will save you .
But at least you can look and feel like you're in control.

1. Stop believing in magical wind directions

Madejski says:

"A tailwind is like a unicorn. Everyone talks about it, but no one has seen it."

In the Karkonosze Mountains the following rule applies:
Every wind will hit your face sooner or later .
Because mountains have their own laws of physics—usually against you.

2. When it's windy, slow down... or pretend it's supposed to be that way

The worst thing you can do is fight the hurricane of ambition.
Instead:
– set lower position
– take the blow on the chest
– tell yourself that “this is power training, not speed training.”

It works. Mentally.
Physically — not necessarily.

3. Learn to judge the wind by… squirrels

In the Karkonosze Mountains, the best barometers are not flags or forecasts.
Squirrels are the best.

If they jump on trees lightly, it will be difficult.
If they are sitting down and keeping their noses down, get home before they knock you down.

4. Wind speed increases with height and… your ego

The more you try to show that "nothing can break you," the harder the wind starts to blow.
The Karkonosze Mountains feel it.

Madejski claims that mountains have a built-in ego sensor.
And it's hard to deny he's right.

5. Okay, you can't change the wind - but you can change your clothes

And here she enters the scene:

Quest Elements Jacket

Why does everyone like her?

• because the wind and rain bounce off it as if it were a rock ,

• because it is light and spacious - it will fit even when everything else in the pockets can barely be zipped up,

• because in the Karkonosze Mountains there is nothing more certain than that the weather will surprise you ,

• and this jacket is simply third party liability insurance against weather surprises.

Will it stop the wind?
NO.
Will it make you stop feeling his malice?
A bit like this.

6. Or maybe turn back?

NO.

A cyclist from the Karkonosze Mountains does not turn back because of the wind.
At most, he stops for a candy bar and looks at the sky, negotiating with higher powers.

Golden thought...

“You can't have the wind at your back.
But you can make sure he doesn't give you crap."

The Elements jacket helps with the second.