Road Cycling - speed drafting = not drafting

I was invited to a group ride but dont know if I am in enough shape (I just started cycling). The group goes about 20-21mph on a 30 mile trip and they said I can draft all I want. What speed should I have to be able to average for 30 miles on a solo ride not drafting to be able to keep up with the group?

Thanks a lot,

Alex

Just go do it. The worst thing will be that you get dropped. Happens to everyone.

I'm with Laggard. but if you need encouragement, if they are going 20 to 21 you're going to be working as if your riding 17-18. If there are hills, this is a different story, but don't worry about the numbers, just go ride, and make sure you know the route!

That's not to bad a speed. In fact, it may be perfect since you can draft - it'll be more than you're used to possibly but if so you'll improve very quickly. Like the others said, know the route and just do it. If you get dropped don't beat yourself up over it, but continue to ride with them on future outings. Pretty soon you won't be getting dropped at all - assuming you even do. I bet you end up suprising yourself!

Depends on your tolerance for punishment. If you get dropped will you be able to find your way back home?

It might be worth checking at LBSs to see if other less intense group rides are available. When you are learning to ride with a group, it's nicer to be one of the stronger riders than one of the weaker ones.

That being said, nothing makes you stronger than riding with folks who are better than you are.

I agree with what everyone has said. Just ride, if anything getting dropped will only motivate you to come back week after week until you can drop somebody else! Eventually your fitness will be at a higher level and riding at 20-21 won't seem difficult anymore.

face your fears. don't run away from it. just know the route so, if you get dropped, then you can still finish with pride. eventually, you'll work your way up and even take a turn up front to help pull the group.

"A guy once told me..........."

that drafting at moderate speeds requires only about 60-70% work-rate of the person in front of you (depending, of course, on wind speed any direction), so maybe you could work it out from this.

I have the data somewhere -- I'll dig it up later.

"A guy once told me..........."

that drafting at moderate speeds requires only about 60-70% work-rate of the person in front of you (depending, of course, on wind speed any direction), so maybe you could work it out from this.

I have the data somewhere -- I'll dig it up later.

The guy in front saves a little too.

Really, draft! its good practice and it will improve your skills. Also, it will keep you with the group so you can learn even more. I think everyone has been droped at least once, and its not the greatest feeling but you try a lot harder the next ride.

drafting is good!

you've got to ride in groups and learn to draft if you ever want to be able to do it. The first time I ever went on a group ride I was so tense from trying to hold a wheel that I felt like I had worked harder than on solo rides, but our average speed ended up about the same as what I would do alone. Now that i'm more comfortable with being that close to someone on the road, I can relax and enjoy the ride and I have to tell you, there's nothing quite like a good pace line on the flats to make you make you feel like a pro. It's a blast. Get out and try it.

cool! thanks for the encouragement everyone!

Another suggestion: Don't let a gap open up between you and the rider in front of you. If the pace is high and you see a gap forming between the rider you're drafting and the riders in front of him/her, go around the rider and bridge up as soon as possible. Once you're out in the wind on your own, you're probably going to be OTB (off the back). Just make sure that you don't cut off any riders who are trying to pass you.

If they're a more sociable bunch, you might be able to ask them to ease up in order for for to hang in. It's hard to say how your group will react, as they're all different.