Loner Manners?

[Grog]

Since I usually ride alone and I'm still relatively new to road biking, could someone tell me just how close you can be to be considered drafting? I don't think I've ever done it, as I've never thought "Boy, it sure feels easier to pedal now!" so I'd like to have some idea to make sure I don't unknowingly annoy someone. However, I seem to feel differently than most of the opinions I'm seeing here. Living near the shore, I pass and am passed regularly as there's a lot of people out and about enjoying the scenery. If you happen to be going the same speed or am going the same route, knock yourself out, doesn't really bother me. I actually feel better if they don't pass because it makes me think they can't get ahead of me and stay there

When you are less than one-bike length behind someone, you are clearly "in the draft" although of course the effect will be much stronger if you're 10 centimeters (3 inches) away from the person's wheel than if you're a whole meter (3 feet) away. Within a two-bike distance there is some effect as well, and I don't like to have someone I don't know riding so close to me without permission unless it's a very busy segment of road and everyone is riding very slow.

When, in a headwind, I start dropping further than a three-bike length (approx 6 meters?) away from my husband, I know that it will be really hard to catch his wheel again unless he slows down...

[Eden]

Ah, but there is drafting and then there is personal space..... you can be not really drafting, but still in somones personal space. If the rider ahead is nervous then 10 feet may not be enough for them.

Just if you are on a busy MUT (multi use trail) do have some expectations that you will have someone following you at times.... I know that I always WAIT until there is a safe place with good visibility to pass, and that does mean that I end up behind people at times.