Brain Teaser - Riding against the wind

[CR Haeger]

Thanks Claudio for you clear worked example which appears correct for the assumptions you included. I also solved for W, P then V3 in a similar way. I forgot about using V2=4/3V1 as a substitution in my work.

I did work it with additional friction losses due to rolling resistance and (rider to wheel) drive-train losses. Perhaps these end up being negligible effects or drop out of the equations. Maybe these become more apparent when the difference in times is greater, say 3 and 5 minute 1-mile trips...