Fifty Plus (50+) - Is there a protocol regarding drafting?

Yesterday some dood decided to draft me for a couple of miles. He never said a word, and he never offered to take the lead. We even came to a traffic signal or two and he hung back, rather than pulling up for a cheery hello or whatever. Finally he went off another direction.

In your opinion, did this cyclist follow or break the International Unspoken Cycling Conventions?

Yesterday some dood decided to draft me for a couple of miles. He never said a word, and he never offered to take the lead. We even came to a traffic signal or two and he hung back, rather than pulling up for a cheery hello or whatever. Finally he went off another direction.

In your opinion, did this cyclist follow or break the International Unspoken Cycling Conventions?
You sure you just weren't looking at yourself in your mirror and thinking someone was following you?

To be safe, drafters and draftees need to clearly communicate. The guy drafting you was not doing that.

The rule of thumb is to announce your presence with "On your wheel", or "Mind if I sit in?", or "Hey, how's it going?", etc.

It's also considered rude to sit in the draft and not take a turn at the front.

Broke them all. If you ever see him again, honk! in an honest effort to scare the bejeebers out of him. After he falls off the bike, you can help him up and explain how his bad behavior a couple of months ago has suddenly and unexpectedly come back to haunt him in the best twilight zone traditions.

Broke them all. If you ever see him again, honk! in an honest effort to scare the bejeebers out of him. After he falls off the bike, you can help him up and explain how his bad behavior a couple of months ago has suddenly and unexpectedly come back to haunt him in the best twilight zone traditions.

Or just grab a handful of brake, and when he crashes out after hitting your rear wheel say, "Sorry, dude...didn't know you were back there." ;)

Yesterday some dood decided to draft me for a couple of miles. He never said a word, and he never offered to take the lead. We even came to a traffic signal or two and he hung back, rather than pulling up for a cheery hello or whatever. Finally he went off another direction.

In your opinion, did this cyclist follow or break the International Unspoken Cycling Conventions?

Ah, to be drafted you have to go fast enough to create.........a draft........what you are dealing with here, DG, is a stalker. Anyone who would go slow enough to follow you for miles is clearly after your body. I'd be careful, if I were you (which I am not, by the way).

He should not have drafted unless coming up and let you know he was there-very unsafe for you both.

I've developed an additional sense somehow knowing someone is behind me. I don't mind following behind me but I do expect them to share the work when we're doing hard pulls.

You don't mention how fast you were riding or if you were on the roubaix. Was he on a BLACK bike? He may have been a "bikejacker" waiting for you to fall off, so he could make off with Ruby.

A Wheelsucker....or whatever rhymes. Etiquette while casually cruising "requires" someone to announce themselves, say Hi, wheel along side you for a while and shoot the spit-- not just lurk back there like a "stalker" (good term TLC20010). I don't think you're the type to quite literally dump the guy on the pavement with a well timed brake or jink, DG. So...simply slow down to a crawl, even stop. The dood will probably cruise on.

Keep pushing your fitness and you might just sprint away from him, or swerve around and shake his arse. In the meantime, slow to a creep-- or is that "for a creep".

You don't mention how fast you were riding or if you were on the roubaix. Was he on a BLACK bike? He may have been a "bikejacker" waiting for you to fall off, so he could make off with Ruby.

If he was on a black bike, he might have been DG's "doppleganger". If DG had grabbed the brakes, as another poster suggested, and they collided the entire universe would have imploded.

Whew!

The roubaix robber?

P.S. DG: "Drafting" suggests a cooperative effort between two or more riders, each giving to the other. It also suggests a riding "intimacy" because you're each trusting your precious, fragile body to the other. Six inches off someone's wheel is a potentially vulnerable place to be. Always good to know the riding style of the person with whom you're riding nose to butt.

Man, I would never just drop in behind a stranger unless the rider gave off "I'm an expert" vibes.

Anyway, this guy sounds like a jerk. Most cyclists are lovely people....this person was one of the few brown apples out there.

To prevent drafting, trade Ruby for real low recumbent.:D

To prevent drafting, trade Ruby for real low recumbent.:D

Or, try Card's other maneuver.....light a fart for the full "after-burner" effect. Apologies for my bad taste here and, Card, hopefully your weren't offended by my remark-- a real stinker! ;)

:roflmao:
Or, try Card's other maneuver.....light a fart for the full "after-burner" effect. Apologies for my bad taste here and, Card, hopefully your weren't offended by my remark-- a real stinker!

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

That could give Elton John's "Rocket Man" a new meaning.

:roflmao:

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

That could give Elton John's "Rocket Man" a new meaning.


A lot of laughs and insight here at BF......we should pick up a few keggers some day and gather at a park.
DG in his "I'm the Frickin' Cook You Got a Problem With That" apron at the BBQ, Stapfam explaining sticky buns, Card being kept away from the baked beans..........would be kool. And all those bikes leaning against trees waiting for the group ride. :beer:

A lot of laughs and insight here at BF......we should pick up a few keggers some day and gather at a park.
DG in his "I'm the Frickin' Cook You Got a Problem With That" apron at the BBQ, Stapfam explaining sticky buns, Card being kept away from the baked beans..........would be kool. And all those bikes leaning against trees waiting for the group ride. :beer:

There is a forum called Adventure Cycling that caters to motorcycles that meet like this around the country. I think this would be great to put a face with a name. All we would really need are areas in regions w/camping, grocery stores, motels and people willing to organize. People could come, enjoy the comraderee (sp?) and ride on the rides we all talk about. Perhaps we could work out a way to have a meal or two for everyone the first or last night of the meeting.

DG, I've had a mixed bag of riders I meet on the road. Some announce they are behind me, some just take me by surprise. Interesting, all those riders that might be classified as "Freds" announce themselves whether drafting or passing. Wish I could say it's 100% for the OCP types, but it's a crap shoot, some are real good, some are in their own little world where they are Lance. What can I say.
Me? I always announce "I've got your back" or "On your left". If I'm drafting and they act real nervous, I break it off and pass.
I have to admit, I don't like drafting behind a stranger because I can't read their moves like I can someone I've ridden with before.
In our group that meets after work, we take turns leading.

There is a forum called Adventure Cycling that caters to motorcycles that meet like this around the country. I think this would be great to put a face with a name. All we would really need are areas in regions w/camping, grocery stores, motels and people willing to organize. People could come, enjoy the comraderee (sp?) and ride on the rides we all talk about. Perhaps we could work out a way to have a meal or two for everyone the first or last night of the meeting.

Actually bikes, not motorcycles:
http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/

Actually bikes, not motorcycles:
http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/

http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=9

believe me on this one.

There is a forum called Adventure Cycling that caters to motorcycles that meet like this around the country. I think this would be great to put a face with a name. All we would really need are areas in regions w/camping, grocery stores, motels and people willing to organize. People could come, enjoy the comraderee (sp?) and ride on the rides we all talk about. Perhaps we could work out a way to have a meal or two for everyone the first or last night of the meeting.

Tandem Club of America does just that. We attended the Prarie State Tandem Rally in Springfield Il over Father's Day weekend. We are planning to meet with around 1,000 of our closest tandem riding friends in Appleton Wi over Labor Day weekend.

The one time that I got into an ad hoc draft line, it seemed like it was the lead rider's prerogative when to drop back, rather than someone else deciding to lead. That made sense to me -- when the leader felt tired out, he would move to the left and slow down slightly, let the line pass him, and then drop in at the back. It really worked well and I enjoyed the several miles that I was in the group.

As said it is best if everyone agrees to ride together. If I am out solo and someone wants to draft it does not bother me as long as they announce themselves. I have done so on occasion when I am solo and asked to jump on the back when being passed. If you ask most people are Ok with it. I have had someone draft me for as much as 8 miles without a word which is somewhat disconcerting.

If I jump in with a big group I generally don't say anything since who am I going to ask if I can jump in. Most of the big groups don't even know everyone in the ride. Not sure if that is breaking a rule but I have done this on many occasions with no one complaining.

A well seasoned and skilled rider will always announce him or herself, as SSP said, ususally with a comment like: "On your wheel" or "Mind if I sit in." On a serious note, when you've got someone doing what you describe, I would tend to think of them as a real danger. They obviously don't understand the dynamics of safe riding (or don't respect you enough to practice safe riding), and I sure as heck wouldn't want them on my wheel. I'd slow down enough that they no longer wanted to draft, let them pass, and be glad they were now less of a danger to me.

I would hope that someone announces themself, but I don't typically ride by slamming on the brakes or swerving, so it's usually not an issue. Of course, if I were the wheel-sucker, I would definitely let the puller know that I'm there. More likely is that someone pulls up on the left and says "hi!" and shakes me out of my trance...

If you don't want to be drafted can you go to Canada?

You've had your first encounter with THE KNAVE.

You've had your first encounter with THE KNAVE.
Oh no... not The Knave!!! :mad:

Yesterday some dood decided to draft me for a couple of miles. He never said a word, and he never offered to take the lead. We even came to a traffic signal or two and he hung back, rather than pulling up for a cheery hello or whatever. Finally he went off another direction.

In your opinion, did this cyclist follow or break the International Unspoken Cycling Conventions?


If you are going to draft, you should ask permission to do so. The other person needs to know that they have someone back there so they can take them into account when they do a manuever.

Also, you should take your turn pulling. I learned that if you can not pull, you have no business drafting. There are exceptions to that. I have been with people and told them that since I was manifestly stronger, to let me do the pulling.

However, there are many cyclists these days who treat others as their domestiques and avoid drafting at all costs so they have fresh legs so they can win the sprint at the end of the ride. I guess someone did not tell them that this is not the Tour de France. Also unlike the Tour, they are not compensating their domestiques. There are exceptions to that. I pulled a friend of mine through a century during a multiday ride and he gave me a couple of cold beers in appreciation at the end of the ride. And I think that is as much as I have ever made riding. :D

Or, try Card's other maneuver.....light a fart for the full "after-burner" effect. Apologies for my bad taste here and, Card, hopefully your weren't offended by my remark-- a real stinker! ;)

Dang! Beat me to it! :D

I pulled a friend of mine through a century during a multiday ride and he gave me a couple of cold beers in appreciation at the end of the ride. And I think that is as much as I have ever made riding. :D

Congratulations! You are now a professional bike rider. :)

OK, here's the lowdown on drafting etiquette from someone who's been drafter and draftee for the past 35 years:

On an organized group ride or club training ride, drafting is expected. If you go OTB (off the back, aka "shelled"), the ride is basically over for you if it's a training ride, or time to let the next group catch you if it's an organized ride.

If you're on your own (such as commuting to work), then all bets are off. Typically, what happens is you're riding along minding yer own business when some insecure guy (it's always a guy) pushing his top gear at 60 rpms comes flying by. This is an unspoken invitation to draft him, especially if you're on a fixie with a 70" gear or less. Along with the invitation to draft is the invitation to stomp his sorry little ass on the first uphill section that comes along. I usually like to ride no hands and clean off my Oakleys after I've opened a five-bike gap. This usually sends a clear message, especially when the gap keeps increasing despite his strenuous efforts.

If you pass another rider, expect him to draft you. A good rider will usually take advantage of your draft, but will be courteous enough to not try to turn it into a race by passing you. If you want him to take the lead, just swing off, like in a normal pace line. If he comes flying by, see paragraph above. Warning: if he is in the same small gear as you and has a very fluid technique, just stay on his wheel. Don't try to pass him unless he swings off to let you take the lead. You are not going to be able to drop this guy.

Things to note: the better the rider, the easier he is to draft. On the track, behind a really experienced rider, I can get within a couple of inches of his rear wheel at 40 kmh and still feel comfortable. This is because a good trackie never, ever backpedals. He controls his speed by making slight movements up or down the banking. A poor rider, by contrast, requires a gap so you can react to his sudden backpedaling or braking (on the road) or unexpected exaggerated lateral motion.

Pay attention to wind direction. You don't usually draft directly behind the rider. You're usually slightly off to the leeward side, not only for better wind protection, but so you can see what's ahead - very important when riding in traffic. Don't be afraid to lean your head over so you can better see what's happening. If it's a crosswind, you can even get almost alongside the lead rider. Always swing off into the wind.

In any event, when you get to a hill, again all bets are off. If the rider you're drafting is annoyed that you're on his wheel, he'll try to drop you here. This is where drafting turns into pacing. You don't get a draft going up a hill, but you do get a psychological boost having a rabbit in front of you. This is what the team leaders in the Tour are doing on the big climbs.

One more thing: on the road, when you swing off, most guys will flick their elbow in the direction they're swinging off. On the track, don't do this. Bad form. Just looking over your shoulder will signal what you're going to do.

OK, that's drafting etiquette.

- L.

We have had some informal discussions in the last week in our bike club about starting a club ride with a pace line practice session. Discuss the rules and tips, start out at 12-13 mph, and speed up as people get more comfortable, never getting too crazy. I think it's a good idea and would be fun for those of us who can't ride fast enough to keep up with a real pace line.

OK, here's the lowdown on drafting etiquette from someone who's been drafter and draftee for the past 35 years:

On an organized group ride or club training ride, drafting is expected. If you go OTB (off the back, aka "shelled"), the ride is basically over for you if it's a training ride, or time to let the next group catch you if it's an organized ride.

If you're on your own (such as commuting to work), then all bets are off. Typically, what happens is you're riding along minding yer own business when some insecure guy (it's always a guy) pushing his top gear at 60 rpms comes flying by. This is an unspoken invitation to draft him, especially if you're on a fixie with a 70" gear or less. Along with the invitation to draft is the invitation to stomp his sorry little ass on the first uphill section that comes along. I usually like to ride no hands and clean off my Oakleys after I've opened a five-bike gap. This usually sends a clear message, especially when the gap keeps increasing despite his strenuous efforts.

If you pass another rider, expect him to draft you. A good rider will usually take advantage of your draft, but will be courteous enough to not try to turn it into a race by passing you. If you want him to take the lead, just swing off, like in a normal pace line. If he comes flying by, see paragraph above. Warning: if he is in the same small gear as you and has a very fluid technique, just stay on his wheel. Don't try to pass him unless he swings off to let you take the lead. You are not going to be able to drop this guy.

Things to note: the better the rider, the easier he is to draft. On the track, behind a really experienced rider, I can get within a couple of inches of his rear wheel at 40 kmh and still feel comfortable. This is because a good trackie never, ever backpedals. He controls his speed by making slight movements up or down the banking. A poor rider, by contrast, requires a gap so you can react to his sudden backpedaling or braking (on the road) or unexpected exaggerated lateral motion.

Pay attention to wind direction. You don't usually draft directly behind the rider. You're usually slightly off to the leeward side, not only for better wind protection, but so you can see what's ahead - very important when riding in traffic. Don't be afraid to lean your head over so you can better see what's happening. If it's a crosswind, you can even get almost alongside the lead rider. Always swing off into the wind.

In any event, when you get to a hill, again all bets are off. If the rider you're drafting is annoyed that you're on his wheel, he'll try to drop you here. This is where drafting turns into pacing. You don't get a draft going up a hill, but you do get a psychological boost having a rabbit in front of you. This is what the team leaders in the Tour are doing on the big climbs.

One more thing: on the road, when you swing off, most guys will flick their elbow in the direction they're swinging off. On the track, don't do this. Bad form. Just looking over your shoulder will signal what you're going to do.

OK, that's drafting etiquette.

- L.

:lol:

If he was on a black bike, he might have been DG's "doppleganger". If DG had grabbed the brakes, as another poster suggested, and they collided the entire universe would have imploded.

If he was on a black bike, it might have been me! :eek:

Unfortunately, this hasn't happened to me yet.... I guess no one wants to go that slow. :(

But seriously....... isn't drafting in the manner you described somewhat like walking on the heals of someone right in front of you, close enough to cause them to sense someone is there, then turn around and look?

Ihbernhardt................you said it well and said it pretty completely!!