Loner Manners?

[maillotpois]

When I paced one of the women I coached up the climbs at Death Ride last year, it was really fun to work on that control when standing - not letting the bike move back at all. I agree it's not something for everyone, so when climbing/pacing if you don't have that control or are not completely comfortable with the person ahead, then give yourself half a wheel or a wheel length behind.

Even if the paces in climbing are not the same (which they were not on that particular ride), it is a great challenge for the lead rider to keep a pace the other can comfortably follow. You have to really be aware of the other rider's pace, how they show weakness and tiredness. Brandy's right, they're not drafting. But you're setting a smooth consistent pace that they might not quite be able to set on their own. (A little like how the support riders pace their leaders on climbs in the races. But MUCH slower. ).

[SadieKate]

Even if the paces in climbing are not the same (which they were not on that particular ride), it is a great challenge for the lead rider to keep a pace the other can comfortably follow. You have to really be aware of the other rider's pace, how they show weakness and tiredness.

I use this as one of my indicators for conditioning and bike handling skills. When I can pace a slower rider up a hill, I know my own fitness and skills are doing well.

In other words, I don't HAVE to find my own pace to survive the hill.

[jobob]

When I can pace a slower rider up a hill, I know my own fitness and skills are doing well.

I'll remember that next time we ride up a hill together and you're hanging back with me.

[SadieKate]

I'll remember that next time we ride up a hill together and you're hanging back with me.

And just how will you be able to tell if I'm hanging back or hanging on?

Something tells me you can put the hurt on me right now. I've got a lot of puppy cuddling to do.

Not to mention it snowed again last night and still hasn't melted in the shadows.