Drafting question

[Rakekay]

So, I was on a ride yesterday when a guy passed me. He was going a bit faster than me but not significantly, so I decided to pace myself with him and try to keep up and see if I could figure out drafting. (Was that acceptable, to just suddenly draft off someone?) I kept up and was soon going 20 mph (at a spot where I would have normally been going about 15-17 on my own, so clearly I was doing something right). But it felt really easy and like I was going to pass him. I shifted twice to make it harder but still felt like it was a bit easy. Should I have just kept shifting until it felt like I was going at the right pace? Or should I have just stayed where I was and used the chance to rest my legs a bit?

Of course, the minute he went up a steep hill I fell back and couldn't catch up again, so my first drafting experience was short-lived, but I liked it while it was happening!

[shewhobikes]

typically I'd probably say "hi, want to ride together a bit?" (Translation, I'll draft behind you and then I'll pull for awhile.) Then I'd be sure to take a pull in a mile or so, or less, depending on the terrain, and how things were going. If I got no response or a huff or a no thanks, I wouldn't take offense, most likely: Maybe he had a specific training goal or something in mind. Or maybe he is just careful to ride in a line with riders he know can hold their line.

Anyway, riding in a pace line is so much fun and can really take a load off, especially if you've got 4 or more riders. For me, 6-8 is ideal; that way, legs stay fresh! Of course, you want to be with folks who ride in your speed range, or just above it. Have fun!

[SadieKate]

Wow, you opened a can of worms because everyone has their own opinion on this. In general, I personally don't recommend it:

1) without asking
2) without a bit of knowledge about drafting
3) making sure the person knows that you're new and may not be able to take a pull

The person in the back is the one at risk. If you touch his back wheel YOU are the one who will go down at 20 mph. If he doesn't know you are there, he may brake, slow down, stand up, etc. In a real pace line, the lead won't do these things (or shouldn't). Also, it is generally proper etiquette to take your turn. Now, if you can't hold that pace you don't have to hold the lead for very long. But, you also need to know how to cycle through a pace line. This topic can go on and on and on with everybody pitching in their 2 cents.

Me? I generally don't like someone jumping in behind without asking except at organized century rides. I ride out in the country here and if a strange man suddenly was right on my rear wheel without saying anything (especially as noisy as the wind is), I'd assume he is either a rude jackass or dangerous. It just makes me very uncomfortable. At organized rides, someone can jump in behind me but they better be willing to take their turn and quickly show that they know how to draft safely.

I don't think that what you did was bad; I'd just ask next time if you could "sit in" a bit and learn, and next time, you'll be pulling. Kind of fun to be whizzing along like that, huh?

[madisongrrl]

Everyone has their own take on this....but I generally won't draft behind strangers or behind those who have little experience or skill. When you draft behind someone, you are putting your safety in their hands. I have yet to break my clavicle (though I've come close a few times) and I want to keep it that way.

[Dogmama]

I don't like people drafting off of me unless it is an organized ride. I don't draft off of strangers because I have no idea what their riding skill is - and as it has been said before - if I touch his (or her, but we are so much better riders than men ) wheel, I go down.

OTOH, I don't mind riding side by side & chatting with somebody for awhile. It is fun to see what other people's goals are, what they like in bikes, etc. I've found that the people who appear to be slugs are usually the really strong riders & visa versa.

[go get em]

Good question. I've asked myself that same question numerous times. And from now on I will probably ask. I've learned a lot about drafting (and still have a lot to learn) since I started riding with some true legends and wouldn't feel comfortable with someone drafting off me unless they new what they were doing.
Drafting is great fun so draft away and keep asking questions and you'll get the hang of it.

[runnergirl]

Most men won't object if a woman sits on, however, they are pretty hositle to each other about drafting without asking.

I was TERRIFIED when I was taught to draft, I can't imagine just doing it for the first time. Now it's second nature, but the first 10 miles I was scared spitless, my now coach rode next to me the whole time saying "closer, closer, bend your elbows, closer, that's it, gear up, good, closer."

[bluerider]

I never draft behind others unless I'm invited. I don't like others drafting behind me either without asking. I do find the women I meet (very rare) on the road don't mind if I ride alongside and have a quick chat. With guys, I just like to pass them.

[CeCe]

RakeKay,
Loved reading your story of your first time draftng... reminds me of the days of yore when i was doing things like that for the first time. I think you are wise to ask about the manners relating to drafting... It is considered polite to ask the rider if it is ok if you draft. Just a simple "mind if i draft a bit?", or "may i just sit-in a while?" I've never, ever received no for an answer, but i have been in groups where, non permission asking drafters were dropped rickety-tick.

You were doing it right, if it felt easy in another's draft. Regarding shifting gears.. you may want to investigate a bit about cadence (frequencey of turning pedals, usually. described in rpm (revolutions per minute). Shifting to higher gears, lower gears should be done to maintain cadence relative to conditions.

When you were sitting in, and things got easy for a while, you were tempted to pass... it could have been that all you needed was that little break to rejuvinate your legs and off you go leaving this fella in your dust. However, back to politeness. I would consider that rude. If you are going to sit in and take a break, before you go off passing that rider in a blaze of your own ego, it would be polite to say "good mornign, how are you, thanks for the pull, thanks for the rest, have a great ride."

Sucking wheel then passing is appropriate for races, it is not for fellow riders you encouter out on the road or trail. Of course you can pass, but do so with a nod and a thanks.

Also, if you really are stronger and ready to go.. you might want to offer that they draft you a bit and take a small break.

[SimpleCycle]

I'd absolutely ask before drafting, especially if the other person is riding solo. There's a decent chance they haven't ever had someone draft them before, aren't great at holding their line, don't know to call out road hazards, may swerve wildly when they go to do things like take a drink from their water bottle, etc. Also, they may not even know you are there if you don't speak up. Most of the time I don't wear a helmet mirror and have had people right on my wheel without even knowing it. That used to freak me out a LOT when I was a newbie, because I know when I get tired I can't hold my line at all and I don't want to make them crash.

Corsair is right on with the advice to soft pedal, or to pedal with very light resistance while keeping your same cadence. Here's a great article on riding in a paceline:

http://www.gccycling.org/download/paceline.shtml