Drafting question

[SadieKate]

Wow, you opened a can of worms because everyone has their own opinion on this. In general, I personally don't recommend it:

1) without asking
2) without a bit of knowledge about drafting
3) making sure the person knows that you're new and may not be able to take a pull

The person in the back is the one at risk. If you touch his back wheel YOU are the one who will go down at 20 mph. If he doesn't know you are there, he may brake, slow down, stand up, etc. In a real pace line, the lead won't do these things (or shouldn't). Also, it is generally proper etiquette to take your turn. Now, if you can't hold that pace you don't have to hold the lead for very long. But, you also need to know how to cycle through a pace line. This topic can go on and on and on with everybody pitching in their 2 cents.

Me? I generally don't like someone jumping in behind without asking except at organized century rides. I ride out in the country here and if a strange man suddenly was right on my rear wheel without saying anything (especially as noisy as the wind is), I'd assume he is either a rude jackass or dangerous. It just makes me very uncomfortable. At organized rides, someone can jump in behind me but they better be willing to take their turn and quickly show that they know how to draft safely.

I don't think that what you did was bad; I'd just ask next time if you could "sit in" a bit and learn, and next time, you'll be pulling. Kind of fun to be whizzing along like that, huh?

[madisongrrl]

Everyone has their own take on this....but I generally won't draft behind strangers or behind those who have little experience or skill. When you draft behind someone, you are putting your safety in their hands. I have yet to break my clavicle (though I've come close a few times) and I want to keep it that way.

[Dogmama]

I don't like people drafting off of me unless it is an organized ride. I don't draft off of strangers because I have no idea what their riding skill is - and as it has been said before - if I touch his (or her, but we are so much better riders than men ) wheel, I go down.

OTOH, I don't mind riding side by side & chatting with somebody for awhile. It is fun to see what other people's goals are, what they like in bikes, etc. I've found that the people who appear to be slugs are usually the really strong riders & visa versa.

[go get em]

Good question. I've asked myself that same question numerous times. And from now on I will probably ask. I've learned a lot about drafting (and still have a lot to learn) since I started riding with some true legends and wouldn't feel comfortable with someone drafting off me unless they new what they were doing.
Drafting is great fun so draft away and keep asking questions and you'll get the hang of it.

[runnergirl]

Most men won't object if a woman sits on, however, they are pretty hositle to each other about drafting without asking.

I was TERRIFIED when I was taught to draft, I can't imagine just doing it for the first time. Now it's second nature, but the first 10 miles I was scared spitless, my now coach rode next to me the whole time saying "closer, closer, bend your elbows, closer, that's it, gear up, good, closer."

[bluerider]

I never draft behind others unless I'm invited. I don't like others drafting behind me either without asking. I do find the women I meet (very rare) on the road don't mind if I ride alongside and have a quick chat. With guys, I just like to pass them.

[Rakekay]

Thanks to everyone for your comments on drafting ettiquette and drafting safety. I never ride with a group so I haven't had any opportunity to learn any of this stuff.

Still curious though, as to what you do when you're drafting behind someone (assuming permission and/or you know their riding ability) and it feels too easy for you. Do you shift and make it harder for yourself or take it easy for a bit, in preparation for taking your own turn soon?

[SadieKate]

That's the whole point of drafting -- to make it easy for the rider in back. Then, you're all rested up for your pull. Trust me, you get some big headwind you'll love taking it easy back there.

Once you're all rested and ready to pull, make sure you don't speed up but maintain the same pace as before (or slower if necessary) Remember, the poor person in front is looking for a rest now also. It's also OK to pull for a longer or shorter period of time, just remember that you don't want to blow up and not be able to sit on a wheel later (that's an ego move).

[CorsairMac]

Thanks to everyone for your comments on drafting ettiquette and drafting safety. I never ride with a group so I haven't had any opportunity to learn any of this stuff.

Still curious though, as to what you do when you're drafting behind someone (assuming permission and/or you know their riding ability) and it feels too easy for you. Do you shift and make it harder for yourself or take it easy for a bit, in preparation for taking your own turn soon?

The best piece of advice I read was in RoadBikeReview: soft pedal. That way you don't lose the cadence or the speed, you don't upset the paceline behind you (if there is one) and you're ready to pull when it's your turn. So leave it in the gear it's in or shift it down one and then just soft pedal at the same cadence.