Riding in groups - semi-vent

[bluerider]

OK, I didn't want to hijack this thread, but the following statement made me remember my last few rides with the LBC:



Now, I'll ride at what I consider a safe distance from the person in front of me. In fact, if I get any closer, I'm afraid that they're going to brake and I'm going to clip them and we're both going down.

Invariably, I get passed by someone, and he rejoins the group RIGHT in front of me, so I have to slow down so that I'm at what I consider a safe distance.

Rinse and repeat until I'm at the back of the pack, but not because I can't keep up. (Hills, of course, are an exception. A turtle with one leg can pass me then.)

But on the flats and shallow hills, it's really kind of irritating. Why do they do this? Can they not stand the thought of being behind a fat chick? You'd think I'd create plenty of draft behind me! I just don't get it, and it's really a bit irritating...

OK, you can go back to your regularly scheduled happy posts.

Hi witeowl,

I understand your frustration but I really don't believe the riders in your group are doing this on purpose. I ride very close to the wheel ahead of me because I trust the rider in front of me. You have to trust the rider in front of you. If you're a new rider, I can understand the hesitation but as you ride more often with the group, it's important you develop this trust.

A gap in the peleton has a ripple effect, as you accelerate each time to catch up, the riders behind you have to do as well. At the end of the day, you have to preserve the pack. I do think the other riders should provide some friendly instruction. When I first started I was told time and time again to stay on the front rider's wheel and not to accelerate through turns etc.

Don't get too frustrated and keep at it. Happy riding!

[KnottedYet]

I ride my myself most of the time, and always keep a few bike lengths between me and the strangers in front of me on the bike trail.

Seems like that's the right thing for me to be doing in this case.

Now, if I get riding with some experienced folks who I know and trust, I'll ask them to teach me how to ride in a pace line, and I'll be closer to them.

The last time I was in a group ride the person ahead of me was all over the road and wobbling/bobbing around. Scared me and the cars sharing the road. I stayed well back, it seemed dangerous to be any closer. Even though it meant I was bringing up the rear.

[witeowl]

OK, I think some of you hit on some really good points, some of which nick my ego a bit more than just blaming it on machismo (yes, they are all men that do this), but it may be time to face facts on this point.

First, I don't have a full bike length between the rear wheel of the person ahead of me and my front wheel. Really, I think it's just a few inches, but I might be misjudging.

Also, when this happens, we're more in a pack than a paceline, so that leads a bit to the probable heart of the matter: I may not ride as "straight" as I should. Perhaps, as at least one of you alluded to, they may be passing me because I make them nervous by being a bit squirrly.

Definately something to work on - and thanks for the friendly and honest perspective, all.

(Woe is me that my first footrace (only 2 miles) is on the same day as the LBC's beginner's ride! I probably could learn a lot about pack riding and pacelines, not to mention other ettiquette!)

Oh, but hey - here's a(nother) stupid question (I can hijack my own thread, right? ) : I know that drafting makes riding easier on the person behind, but does it make it harder on the person in front?

[bcipam]

Yes the front person carries most of the effort which is why riders in a paceline rotate giving the lead a rest. Front goes to back, number two moves up to front. If you watch professional cycling this is a beautiful art form especially if it's windy - paceline rotates almost constantly.

[pyxichick]

Now I'm a little confused.

Everyone I've asked has told me that the front rider does not work any harder if someone is drafting. They take turns because the front person gets tired faster because they're the only one in the group NOT drafting off someone else.

I've also been told that drafting reduces the amount of effort required by about 30 percent.

Anyone else have any facts about this?

[Eden]

Now I'm a little confused.

Everyone I've asked has told me that the front rider does not work any harder if someone is drafting. They take turns because the front person gets tired faster because they're the only one in the group NOT drafting off someone else.

I've also been told that drafting reduces the amount of effort required by about 30 percent.

Anyone else have any facts about this?

Yes - you are correct, the person in the front does not work any harder when they have someone drafting them than they would have to if they were alone.

[Pedal Wench]

In fact, I've heard that the person riding in the front gets a slight benefit too - something like 5%, because if the reduction of turbulance pulling them back.

[bcipam]

Yes - you are correct, the person in the front does not work any harder when they have someone drafting them than they would have to if they were alone.

I think the confusion is maybe my first response - the front rider does not get the benefit of the draft so it's like he or she were out riding alone which means he or she is working harder than those that are drafting. Those behind the lead riders get a 30% reduction in their effort so there is great benefit in drafting and this explains why the lead always rotates out and everyone should take a turn pulling.

By pulling other riders, the effort is not increase - in otherwords the drafting riders do not cause anymore effort, but the lead rider gets no benefit or help.

Clear? Best way to understand is to go out with some friends and try it. You will understand its better to be the draftee than the draftor!