Quote Originally Posted by CorsairMac
Now for my ??: even on the flats I felt that I was crowding his space and going too fast. Since he was blocking the wind should I have backed off some to draft off him??......My speed dropped when he took the front so I don't believe it was just him blocking the wind - I believe he was riding slower than me but etiquitte-wise should I have slowed down and ridden his pace? After the second hill he dropped back and told me I could lead and I picked my pace back up to where it had been before and was comfortable for me. Should I have continued at his pace? He seemed to struggle for a little but he did catch back up with me.
Any drafting manners/advise would be appreciated!
Hm. I'm just getting into drafting too, whoo! If you need/want the draft, then shift down and spin your gears. It should be easier than riding alone -- I often fall into the trap of thinking we're going too slow on group rides, until I realize I'd never be doing 19 mph into a headwind by myself! If you don't know the guy/feel he's predictable, stay a foot or more off of his wheel. When you take a pull, start at the same speed but ramp it up slowly if you want. He should be able to keep up with you if he's anywhere near your ability. If he's not...well, if it were me and some dude that I picked up on the road, I'd drop him. :\ My workout's more important than his feelings! And though you'll lose out on having someone to take a pull for you later, well, you started out the ride solo -- you probably chose the route such that you can complete it solo!