Quote Originally Posted by RoadRaven View Post
Hey there pooks - the person that is out in front cannot tell if they are drafting unless they look behind them. There is no "drag" effect, if that is what you are asking.

It is very easy to drop someone when you are on the front - particularly if they are a slower rider, or are tired. Hence glancing back every now and again, and checking if you are doing the right speed for them.

In a race situation, you tend to work together at the same speed but in a training ride, you should be riding at the speed of the slowest people.
While this is true, I do find that there is a certain "mental drag" that occurs when you find yourself dragging somebody else's butt for many miles. I remember doing a ride the 1st year I had a bike with a guy who worked at my LBS and had been riding for years. The whole 17 miles back on our loop, he sat behind me, dragging. I was getting so angry that he wasn't pulling his weight, even when I tried to get him out front, that it actually felt like I was pulling him!!! In the end it payed off...now I can kick his butt!