Confused

[dolcerider]

I just started riding this past year and have been receiving paceline training from a few professional riders that I go out with once a week. They have advocated the advantage of learning this technique and being a newbie, I have found it very effective for long rides/ hills. This is where I am confused. I recently completed my first 66 mile charity ride- way too many hills... and I had a rider who was for a short time behind me yell out that she was back there, but not to worry that she was not trying to pull off of me. She went on to state that she just blew off another rider who had tried to do that to her. I thanked her for letting me know she was behind me, but I also told her I didn't mind if she did. Obviously she didn't need to because she quickly accelerated and went around me. So what is the correct etiquite for riders? Do you use paceline/pulling only with your group? I see using it as a great advantage but obviously not everyone feels that way. Very confused.

[mimitabby]

yes, that's part of it. You don't draft off someone without their permission.
the fact is; you've been practicing with a certain group of people, and you know them. Enter a stranger; and start pacing with them. Do they pay attention? are they steady? Are they going to bump your tire and make you crash? You just don't know, and no one knows about your riding skills either. So most people DON'T do it with folks they don't know, at least not without permission; and then permission is not always granted.

[Grog]

Being ahead in a paceline (or just drafting one other person) brings responsibilities. It's important to ask permission (or at least to notify!!!) the person ahead that you've given her those responsibilities if you're going to take her wheel (especially on a hill where you might stand up or make less predictable movements).

I think you both did okay there!

[dolcerider]

Thank you. Now I understand and I see why someone might be a little unsure of someone elses ability. I think I have been a little spoiled riding with the professionals but also thankful of the wonderful lessons they have taught. Women giving back and supporting women - can't beat that! I will be sure however to ask permission if I am ever in that situation on the road.

[KSH]

I know for me, there are situations where I am OK with someone drafting off me, if I don't know them. Although, most of the time they just make me nervous.

At my last rally I had this guy drafting off to the left of me due a side wind. This guy really got in my nerves. I was weaving at times, and he was sitting off my wheel and overlapping our wheels. I was scared of weaving and his wheel hitting mine and both of us going down. He finally moved on and did it to someone else ahead of me.

Otherwise, I don't draft off strangers. I don't trust them enough.

[CR400]

I don't generally care if somebody needs a pull as long as I know somebody is behind me. I also have no problem drafting off of somebody who is willing to pull me. Usually if I need the help of a pull I ask the strongest and fastest cyclist I can find as they pass me. I have once or twice asked a stranger to pace me back up to my group.
I also feel that every cyclist should know how to defend their front wheel.. More importantly have had the opportunity to try it. I hit my wheel once on the back of a friend and turned in properly and pulled away while staying up. Turns out I ended up needing that ability is a race the next week. Somebody cut in to soon around me.
Generally it seems frowned upon to draft or pull somebody you don't know.