General Cycling Discussion - Road etiquette - for a MTBer

I have a question here for the roadies. I have been doing quite a bit of road riding on my MTB lately. I am running some skinny street tires and am reasonably quick.

I saw on another thread (unfriendly cyclists) that someone did not like it when a MTBer "sucked his wheel". When I come up behind someone that looks like a serious rider I will drop into a draft with them. I always announce myself before passing, and if he stays with me, I will do my share of the pulling. I have had some really good rides like this with some friendly people.

If someone passes me I will try to stick them by drafting and will try to get back out and pull if I can.

If I want to draft with someone is there a "proper" thing to do? Ask if they want to hook up? Announce that I am drafting? I figure that I am always racing the guy in front and the guy behind. I figure drafting is a great way for everyone to push harder and it is great fun. But, I don't want to unintentionally piss someone off by being rude.

What do you think?

How about "Mind if I tuck in for a while?"

I'd say that would be your best way...i just wish i could find another cyclist here

Originally posted by Raiyn
How about "Mind if I tuck in for a while?"

Concur.... Always ask if it's OK to draft and if you're up to it offer a pull.

Here's another fine point of sharing the draft. If you're pulling what appear to be seasoned roadies and want to drop back, let the rider behind you know that you're pulling off and dropping back by using a single, smooth and fluid motion in which you pat your left hip/thigh with your left hand and and then point your left arm out at about a 45 degree angle before pulling off the front. This allows them to anticipate your actions instead of following your wheel, assuming you're just avoiding an obstacle, etc...

If you're unsure of the other rider's knowledge regarding hand signals just tell them, "I'm going to drop back for a little while" and then do the left arm signal.

If you feel you are well-matched riders suggest taking turns for 1mi or 1 minute pulls to level out the work load.

Thanks for the advice guys. I was aware of the hand signals. I will ask about tucking in from now on.