Fifty Plus (50+) - Draft

So here I was with my trusty steed "smoke" going along at a blistering speed of 14 mph, when here comes a large group of multi colored jockeys at a pretty good pace. I would think about 20 or a little more, and I was amazed at the draft they put out. It was like I was in there vortex for a few seconds and it felt good. I can really see how someone could get hooked on racing or group riding.

The first time I ever went on a group ride, I was amazed at the increase in my average speed, and the conservation of energy. It's true, a group will surely pull one along. And the truly incredible thing to me is that, because I could rest a little in the draft, I had energy to offer a few pulls myself, albeit short ones. I felt really good that day. :)

They recently did a show on Discovery about drafting with a small car behind a big semi. As I remember, the closer the small car got to the semi, the better gas mileage, and it was a major increase in mileage.

So, the solution to the energy crisis seems to be TAILGAITING!

I thought this thread was going to be about beer :beer:

I thought this thread was going to be about beer :beer:
I thought it was going to be about Viet Nam.

I thought it was going to be about Viet Nam.

Funny, that's what I was thinking! You can tell it's the 50+ forum, probably wouldn't have come up elsewhere just by the topic. Glad it was about riding!

I thought it was going to be about Viet Nam.

I've tried to erase that from the memory.

I recall doing some centuries in a tight pack. I don't remember any scenery or conversation, only the image of someones back, butt, and rear wheel. It's a stressful type of riding, and after a while I opted for more serene and enjoyable rides. Oh, I'll still suck some wheel now and then, but not as intensely.

I don't remember any scenery or conversation, only the image of someones back, butt, and rear wheel.

And some of those sights aren't the best:rolleyes:

I thought it was going to be about Viet Nam.

I will never forget being 19 years old and watching all the little numbers being drawn from the fishbowl. After 100 I opened a beer. After 150 I wiped the sweat off my brow and opened another beer. After 200 I smiled and opened another beer. When my number came up at 270 I figured I was in a very good place. And then Tricky Dick stopped the draft. That was one thing he did right at least.

I thought it was going to be about Viet Nam.

I will never forget being 19 years old and watching all the little numbers being drawn from the fishbowl. After 100 I opened a beer. After 150 I wiped the sweat off my brow and opened another beer. After 200 I smiled and opened another beer. When my number came up at 270 I figured I was in a very good place. And then Tricky Dick stopped the draft. That was one thing he did right at least.

I recall doing some centuries in a tight pack. I don't remember any scenery or conversation, only the image of someones back, butt, and rear wheel. It's a stressful type of riding, and after a while I opted for more serene and enjoyable rides. Oh, I'll still suck some wheel now and then, but not as intensely.


Hey Louis, I'm with you, after they were gone I was by myself, for a short time and another group came by. They must of had something going on to have so many groups like that. For the most part they do have a lot of bike activity around here,and I'm glad, the cars are more aware of cyclist around here. Anyhow,if I could keep up with them, I think I would give it a go. Oh well, I had a fun 35 miler anyway.

I will never forget being 19 years old and watching all the little numbers being drawn from the fishbowl. After 100 I opened a beer. After 150 I wiped the sweat off my brow and opened another beer. After 200 I smiled and opened another beer. When my number came up at 270 I figured I was in a very good place. And then Tricky Dick stopped the draft. That was one thing he did right at least.
I was eligible too. I watched the numbers coming over the teletype machine (I was a copy boy). The day before my birthday came up third. The day after came up fifth. OMG! But mine came up in the high 200s and my heart slowly returned to normal.

Oh....DRAFT..................I thought you said DAFT.


This post went by so fast someone did 2 laps while I was reading it.

I really couldn't wait to go in. I was after Korea and 2 months before Viet Nam. I was in the 101st airborne and right after I got out, I heard they jumped in and the VC were waiting. It took out most of the people I knew, and everytime I think about it I wonder why we are in any of the wars that don't concern us. If the politicians want to fight, then have at it, let them go. I probably shouldn't of wrote this post, but it's the way I feel. Sorry if I offended anybody. Now let's get back to riding.

I recall doing some centuries in a tight pack. I don't remember any scenery or conversation, only the image of someones back, butt, and rear wheel. It's a stressful type of riding, and after a while I opted for more serene and enjoyable rides. Oh, I'll still suck some wheel now and then, but not as intensely.

Drafting with groups too serious can be stressful and no fun, but with a good group just trying to make good time without getting too military about it, it can be a real rush. My best drafting experiences have come while riding with the gang of crazies I hang out with on BRAG (Bicycle Ride Across Georgia). I'm kind of bummed right now because they are all meeting today to start BRAG 2007 tomorrow and I'm not going. :cry: