Red pill, Blue pill, nope, this Mr. Anderson has a Garmin device attached to his wrist and is beginning to question his “need” for his “oracles” advice. How I got to this moment of “alternate reality doubt” begins with my compulsion to slowly and guardedly adopt the latest (and when slightly aged) greatest tech advances that modern thinking can offer. Of course the bicycle, an invention of beauty, simplicity and engineering mastery begs for the latest tech. Yes, I said it, (though I don’t know how to reconcile this conundrum), let’s improve upon mechanical genius with chips n’ code.

Cycling electronics have come a long way, starting with basic tools like bike computers that tracked speed and distance. In the early days, these devices were simple, offering only basic metrics like time, speed, and distance. As technology evolved, GPS units became popular in the early 2000s, allowing cyclists to map their routes and track their performance with much greater accuracy. This was a game-changer for both recreational riders and professional cyclists, offering a new level of data for route planning and performance analysis.

Around the same time, power meters began to emerge. They were initially used mainly by professional cyclists and coaches to measure power output—an important metric for performance training. The PowerTap hub, introduced in the mid-2000s, was one of the first widely adopted power meters. It measured power through a strain gauge in the rear wheel hub, providing real-time data on a rider’s output.

As power meters gained popularity, other companies developed different types, including pedal-based and crank-based systems. Pedal-based power meters, like those from Shimano and Favero, became particularly appealing because they were easier to install and offered better accuracy by measuring power at both legs simultaneously. Over time, these devices became smaller, more precise, and more integrated with cycling computers and apps, giving cyclists a full picture of their performance, from heart rate and cadence to power output and GPS data. Today, these systems are indispensable tools for serious cyclists, offering insights that help riders of all levels optimize their training and performance.

With my once every 15 year purchase of a new road bike (15 years with my use seems to be the end of the most core components), I was confronted with the obsolescence of my PowerTap hub and little yelo computer. Eventually this upgrade my life behavior led (or forced by desire) to the purchase a Gamin head unit paired with Garmin’s power meter pedals, speed sensor and heart rate strap, I had finally once again entered the modern age. Admittedly, I was thrilled, all that data, all in one place, metrics I’ll never understand or use, but very very cool.

Typical of a cycle tech nerd, I soon realized that I wanted portability, I needed this centralized handful of data to follow me what ever ride I chose. Garmin happily obliged with their mobile app and syncing with most indoor cycling platforms. Also moving the Garmin head unit from ride to ride was awesome, it seamlessly locates all the accessories (lights, power, cadence) and you’re ready to ride. The one thing that could remove all this joy — the stupid human factor. It wasn’t long before my stupid human behavior showed a flaw in my Garmin ecosystem. While out for a trail ride, I crashed my mountain bike and demolished my head unit, lesson learned, mounting your expensive electronics to the handlebars of a crash prone bike = recipe for disaster. So, picking up the pieces (literally) I became acutely aware of needing a more stupid proof solution or I would have to abandon my quest to record my every ride. But wait… I can’t be the only crash prone rider, there has to be a better way? Noting others sporting fitness watches, off went the stupid human light bulb — I too needed a watch. The motorcyclist in me says watches are always a bad idea and hardly crash proof, but the speeds involved, the density of surfaces to crash upon are certainly more forgiving in the mountain bike environment, right? I was primed to invest.

My history with watches though not extensive has been eclectic, some elegant, but most clunky, such as my Marx Superman, Timex calculator or Casio G-Shock, the latter was my most advanced watch. Capable of temperature, barometric pressure and altitude readings, this 1994 gem was all a tuner could need or a normal human of the era envisioned as possible. But then, enter the Garmin “Oracle” or Forerunner 945 — a watch shattering any of my thoughts from the 90’s of what a watch could be and hence its influence on my daily existence.

With over 20 screens dedicated solely to disclosing and crediting some of the technologies Garmin licenses to reside within its case, the oracle has some insane functionality. From fitness tracking (heart rate, respiration sleep tracking, steps etc…), GPS routing, Bluetooth and USB interfaces, cycling device and cellular integration, music and an electronic payment platform the oracle provides everything except meal planning. Oh, did I mention it keeps time?

Like most modern tech, the oracle became more demanding of my interaction, willingly I obliged. And obligated I am, being sure the oracle is properly seated on my wrist for sleep to the daily checks of my recovery progress and then monitoring the effectiveness of my blend of activities. But there’s even more to appeasing the demands of the oracle, obsessive monitoring of its many stats such as…

• Recovery time
• Resting heart rate
• Steps taken
• Stairs climbed
• Calories
• O2 saturation
• Weather forecast
• FTP
• VO2
• Heart rate variation
• Heart rate
• Training load
• Lactate threshold
• Race predictor
• and more

Needless to say the oracle can feed OCD tendencies and I may just be slightly afflicted. Today my oracle owns me and did so without ever having offered me a choice of pills.

With only a vague understanding of the event (its a tri-atholon with dirt — right?) NOT Really…

An XTERRA competition and a traditional triathlon are both multi-discipline endurance races, but they differ significantly in their environments and specific activities. Here’s a detailed comparison:

XTERRA Competition

Environment:

• Off-road and natural terrains.
• Typically includes trails, mountains, forests, and lakes.
  
  
  

Disciplines:

1. Swim:
   • Open-water swimming in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or oceans.
2. Mountain Bike:
   • Off-road mountain biking on rugged trails with various obstacles such as rocks, roots, and steep inclines.
3. Trail Run:
   • Running on unpaved, uneven, and often technical trails through natural settings.
     
     
     

Challenges:

• Requires handling rough, unpredictable terrain.
• Emphasis on technical skills, particularly in mountain biking.
• Greater focus on natural obstacles and varying elevation.
  
  

Atmosphere:

• Typically more laid-back and community-focused.
• Emphasis on adventure and connection with nature.
  
  
  

Traditional Triathlon

Environment:

• Urban or suburban settings.
• Often includes roads, paved paths, and pools.
  
  
  

Disciplines:

1. Swim:
   • Can be in open water (lakes, rivers, oceans) or in a swimming pool.
2. Bike:
   • Road cycling on paved surfaces, often with closed roads or designated bike paths.
3. Run:
   • Road running on paved paths or streets.
     
     
     

Challenges:

• Requires endurance and speed on more predictable, smoother surfaces.
• Less emphasis on technical skills, more on maintaining a steady pace.
• Often involves navigating through urban or suburban landscapes.
  
  
  

Atmosphere:

• Can be highly competitive with a focus on time and rankings.
• Often larger events with more participants and spectators.
  
  
  

Key Differences

• Terrain: XTERRA is off-road with natural, rough terrains, while traditional triathlons are on paved, smoother surfaces.
• Biking: XTERRA involves mountain biking with technical skills, whereas triathlons involve road biking focused on speed.
• Running: XTERRA features trail running with natural obstacles, whereas triathlons have road running on paved paths.
• Overall Experience: XTERRA offers a more adventurous, nature-centric experience, while traditional triathlons are more about speed and precision on established routes with increased risk.
  
  
  
  

Both types of competitions offer unique challenges and experiences, catering to different kinds of athletes and their preferences. But in general an XTERRA competition requires extra grit and presents greater opportunity for injury. We were anxious to see what kind of crazies would sign up for this kind of pain.

A short description of what we witnessed; ice-cold black water requiring wet-suits, to be swum — eroded wet and puddled tree lined trails, traversing mild or steep climbs, to be biked and run. How could one’s ankles and knees possibly survive?

This was all taken in stride (no pun intended) by a varied lot of athletes, women and men of age differences spanning 50 plus years. Their main commonalities were that of mutual respect and comradery. From our perspective they all shared great strength, perseverance and endurance. If you were to judge the competitors solely on appearances you wouldn’t be able to tell what an incredibly strong group of individuals you were in the presence of.

So here’s how it looked and how Mike endured, cut down to three minutes…

Mike finished the event in 37th place amongst the men. His total time was under the 4hr. mark, quite an impressive effort. To put his effort in perspective — he is a regular top ten appearance (in multiple disciplines) of our local Strava segments. The bulk of the field was in the 3-4hr. range —but the top 6 competitors were all sub 3Hrs., it is incredible to witness such athleticism. ADD PLUG MR

The event attendees were a happy gregarious lot, mostly friends and family providing moral and sag support. The only sour face we encountered was the event photographer who seemed to think we were muscling in on his territory — far from the truth was that — the guy took some stunning individual athlete pics even and ventured off into the woods to capture action shots along the interior of the course. That said, we watched from the beach, staging and parking areas then the finish line. Just those areas gave great views of the action and struggles and then when all the time we spent watching the competitors efforts exhausted us there were plenty of places to sit and have nice bagged lunch. Really just a great day for a family, the parks setting provided a beautiful back drop for the event and plenty of things to enjoy alongside the race. Camping was also available.

If you’ve never attended one of these events you should add it to your list of cycling centric day trips. Find an upcoming event or learn how to participate (crazy you are though) at: https://www.xterraplanet.com. Enjoy your ride and remember your suffering will probably pale next to that of the XTERRA competitors.

Full disclosure: Though not a weather nerd or over the top cycling data guy — I have a PWS (personal weather station) on my roof and I ride with a power meter. That said I do take into consideration the impact of weather on my novice 59 year old, seen it’s share of breakage, cycling body. Before I plan any outdoor ride I look at the general weather and wind forecast for the route. If the winds will be a fight I’ll plan around them, no hero here —excessive sun, rain, sleet, snow or approaching tropical storm etc.. I’m riding indoors. Banished to the dark depths are any thoughts I may have ever had of being the ruggedly conditioned outdoorsman type, I failed that chapter in my 20’s.

I’ve always dreamed of an accurate way to document the winds effect on my rides other than just incidental wind feel and power observations over the same course. There are definitely days when the wind seems to suck my average down, I’ve never known if it is truly a mechanical or physiological or psychological loss. 

So when I saw the myWindsock data on another Strava riders feed, my interest was immediately sparked, could someone actually provide some solid science behind the wind and the average cyclist? A quick look over their site www.myWindsock.com said yes. For 30$ a year I would gain access to their app that would overlay wind and weather data from the pws network onto my rides. Even better the app can overlay historical environmental data for efforts from a Strava feed prior to subscribing. Another feature is your ability to look at the results of other riders results on the segment and provide an impact score of the weather during their effort. So if you ever wondered if some of the seemingly unobtainable times were set with 30mph tailwinds — now you can know.

The app has a wealth of features such as the following ai returned pitch:

The myWINDSOCK app offers a variety of features designed to enhance the cycling experience, particularly for those looking to optimize their performance in variable weather conditions. Here are some of the key features:

1. Weather Impact Analysis: The app calculates how weather conditions affect your cycling times, offering insights like Wind Adjusted Time and Weather Impact metrics. This helps you understand how factors like wind and temperature have historically affected your rides.
2. Aerodynamic Analysis: myWINDSOCK provides feedback on your aerodynamics (CdA) for every ride, helping you optimize your cycling position and equipment without needing additional hardware.
3. Optimal Strategy Discovery: Using AI, the app analyzes weather and terrain data to suggest the best strategies for your rides, reducing doubt and indecision during events.
4. Segment Optimization: For those targeting personal bests or competitive segment times, myWINDSOCK can alert you to optimal conditions for specific Strava segments, helping you decide the best times to attempt them based on weather forecasts.
5. Historic Weather Conditions: You can view the weather conditions for past activities and Strava segments to put your efforts into context and see how weather has impacted your past performances.
6. Real-Time Weather Forecasting: As you move, the app updates its weather forecasts, providing you with up-to-the-minute information about the conditions you’ll be riding into.
7. Feels Like Elevation: This feature converts headwind impact into a ‘feels like’ elevation, helping you gauge the effort required to overcome wind resistance as if it were a climb.

These features make myWINDSOCK particularly valuable for racers, club cyclists, and leisure riders who want to understand and improve their interaction with weather during rides​ (MyWindsock)​​ (MyWindsock App)​​ (What Is MyWindsock)​​ (The 5k Runner • Strava Segment Hunter—MyWindsock)​.

For my purposes I’m happy with the most basic thing, was I slower or faster, in better or worse condition when my segment times were so dramatically different? This app will help put a little science behind my results and provide some insight to the accuracy of my own anecdotal observations regarding my perceived strength and energy, possibly validating my wet thumb. 

The test. After setting up my account less than a day passed when I received my first Strava Leaderboard Effort Weather Segment Alert from myWindsock. The alert predicted optimal conditions for crushing my personal best on a short Strava segment named Final flash in Allenhurst, NJ. The segment is .29mi with a small descent of 16′, a -1% grade and usually very little traffic.

In anticipation of the day I planned my schedule around myWindsocks recommended ride time. The Strava segment begins about 6 miles from my home, the weather was perfect with a strong tailwind as myWindsock predicted. I armed the GoPro to record the moment, feeling sufficiently warmed up I gave the short segment my all. The accompanying video illustrates my efforts and the data confirms my success.

The results… myWindsock gave me the weather advantage that yielded an average 15-18% gain in my time over this extraordinarily short segment. This placed my tired old self well inside the top ten.

Now after becoming a hero for 32 seconds (trust me, my effort could’nt have lasted any longer) my competitive self now wanted to see just how much aid the record holders of the segment had received from mother nature. Using the tools of myWindsock, I looked up the conditions present when the segment’s top riders made their efforts — sometimes there are realities you just don’t want to be faced with.

Basically, I was the only one who truly benefited from a strong tailwind, oh well the myWindsock data didn’t make me feel any better of a Rider. But it did in fact confirm just how many truly strong human beings there are out there riding bicycles.

As far as drag analysis goes, it seems a lot to say that you can extrapolate an accurate factor based upon wildly variable data obtained from a GPS drawn maps and wind, temperature and pressure variances based on PWSs. The myWindsock approach to testing equipment and position changes involves repeating the same loop forward and backward 5 times — preferably with no braking. Hmmm, not happening where I live. Their CdA number supplied with each ride is an interesting point of comparison, but certainly not wind tunnel comparable. https://mywindsock.com/page/help/navigating-and-understanding-the-information/virtual-cda/how-do-i-complete-a-cda-test/

Using their “Where Power Matters Most” feature was enlightening. Accessed through the route planner it provides a chart showing you where additional effort is yields the greatest returns. For myself, the recommendations were often counterintuitive, but consistently provided improved results in time as well as lessened fatigue. Power on a lot of the climbs I thought should matter didn’t and additional power during some mild descents really did.

For the money myWindsock (30USD pyr) is a powerful tool, its greatest drawback though is that it relies on PWSs (personal weather stations) data. As a PWS owner I can anecdotally note that my station’s and the surrounding station’s data (within in a half mile radius) varies widely. The harsh reality is that wind and weather data gathered at varying distances, elevations and surroundings can only provide a broad picture of the impact on your ride. A road lined with buildings vs the same road lined by fields creates very different wind dynamics. One of the early lessons you learn as a pilot is that windsock on the field doesn’t necessarily bely the winds aloft — fly with care. In the end myWindsock is another great, great but imperfect method for ride analysis, coupled with your meters and monitors though it can put you even closer to the truth. Or for someone like myself it can provide small advantage and large (though temporary) ego boost. Enjoy your ride.

Some data…