Drafted by a stranger....is this common?
08-19-15, 01:22 AM
#51
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On a recent non-commute ride, I was climbing up a hill against a strong headwind and a rider snuck up behind me unannounced and drafted me up the hill. Near the top, he took me by surprise, overtook me, and said "thanks for breaking through the wind for me", and left me in his dust. I was too gassed to say anything, I just laughed it off. I thought that was kind of rude, but nothing I could do about it. I had no idea he was behind me because I was too concentrated on fighting the wind and the climb.
08-19-15, 06:26 AM
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This happened to me recently on my commute. Some roadies came up behind me and stayed pretty tight on my rear wheel for a few miles before I turned off. I wasn't about to disrupt my commute to slow down for them, but I was extra careful and kept checking over my shoulder because I knew they were so close. They had several opportunities to pass safely but stayed there for some reason. I think in that instance it shows a pretty clear lack of respect for a fellow cyclist, it's the same thing as tailgating in a motor vehicle. Pass asap or give some space.
08-19-15, 02:12 PM
#53
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I had a situation like this once.
He was right there I could feel his presence after I had passed. I looked behind after a while and asked would you like to take a pull. He replied that he would not be able to hold up what I was doing and if I didn't mind him staying there because he was to make a dance lesson date with his little girl. I was ok with that. I just like to know what peoples intents are.
V
He was right there I could feel his presence after I had passed. I looked behind after a while and asked would you like to take a pull. He replied that he would not be able to hold up what I was doing and if I didn't mind him staying there because he was to make a dance lesson date with his little girl. I was ok with that. I just like to know what peoples intents are.
V
08-21-15, 03:52 PM
#54
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It only happened to me a few times. I usually get my workout on the way into work(4am), and on the way home, it's rush hour and more of a leisurely commute. But there's been a few times when I want to get a workout in the afternoon and takeoff for a rural road. Once a roadie asked before drafting. Instead of being annoyed, I tried to take it as a compliment. The few times when one would just magically appear on my 6, I would maintain my speed, but just swerve ever so slightly so they'd get the hint. Especially when I'm doing intervals, I don't need some creepy biker that close to me with no mention.
BTW, the one time it was a unannounced female drafter, it wasn't so creepy.
BTW, the one time it was a unannounced female drafter, it wasn't so creepy.
08-21-15, 04:51 PM
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Somebody must have been drafting me yesterday, because they rear-ended me when I slowed down. Actually, I was braking because a cyclist collided with a pedestrian in the oncoming lane of the MUP. Everybody got up, was OK, and we all continued on our ways.
08-22-15, 09:42 AM
#56
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I draft and have been drafted. Only happens once or twice a year that I match speed and route with someone enough for it to happen. When it does we're usually doing around 25mph. Not a big deal, the way I see it we're just giving each other a break. Would never do it on a crowded MUP. When approaching a potential obstacle I back off. Maybe it's just me but I'm aware of my surroundings enough that it's never a surprise when someone takes my wheel.
08-23-15, 01:51 AM
#57
glorified 5954
I had a situation like this once.
He was right there I could feel his presence after I had passed. I looked behind after a while and asked would you like to take a pull. He replied that he would not be able to hold up what I was doing and if I didn't mind him staying there because he was to make a dance lesson date with his little girl. I was ok with that. I just like to know what peoples intents are.
V
He was right there I could feel his presence after I had passed. I looked behind after a while and asked would you like to take a pull. He replied that he would not be able to hold up what I was doing and if I didn't mind him staying there because he was to make a dance lesson date with his little girl. I was ok with that. I just like to know what peoples intents are.
V
I draft and have been drafted. Only happens once or twice a year that I match speed and route with someone enough for it to happen. When it does we're usually doing around 25mph. Not a big deal, the way I see it we're just giving each other a break. Would never do it on a crowded MUP. When approaching a potential obstacle I back off. Maybe it's just me but I'm aware of my surroundings enough that it's never a surprise when someone takes my wheel.
Should I dare say? Taking a look at the responses, I don't know why someone would pout so heartily over something so infinitesimal. Wait! I do. But I will stop there.
08-23-15, 08:17 AM
#58
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The only time I don't like someone drafting me is when their headlight casts a shadow in front of me. I'll usually try to drop them, and if that fails, slow down and follow them 50' back. Other than that, it really doesn't bother me. Anyone who can draft me is a pretty fast and experienced rider.
08-23-15, 09:35 AM
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Hasn't happened to me yet but if it did I'd pull over for a second and let them by.
08-23-15, 10:05 AM
#60
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the draft? see conscription https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscr..._United_States
08-23-15, 01:51 PM
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How close does one need to be in order to be considered drafting? I ride as fast as I can on my commute (mostly Rail Trail) which is pretty slow. Occasionally, I will get passed by someone [on the trail] going a little faster than I and I will come up to about a bike lengths gap, and over about half a me and try to keep up for a couple miles. It makes me feel good to ride at the faster pace, which feels like reduced effort, but it may be adrenaline. I'm not fast enough to have ever had anyone ride behind me who wasn't just blocked. I'm new to commuting this year, and nobody has ever been mean to me when they see me doing this, to announce my intention, what should I say?
08-23-15, 05:52 PM
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The biggest issue is if they hit your back wheel and take YOU down. Most folks don't understand that a loaded bike loses momentum quickly and is sometimes harder to keep arrow straight (and that I'm usually gassed after work). Thank goodness it rarely happens to me. Being old and slow is good.
08-23-15, 07:31 PM
#63
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Drafting is an integral part of road cycling sport. So, many roadies take it for granted (still is good etiquette asking if they don't mind), but I can see how to commuting-only riders it may feel strange, even creepy.
08-23-15, 07:34 PM
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Riding close on an organized club or training ride = drafting. 
Stranger riding close on commute = tailgating.
Stranger riding close on commute = tailgating.
08-23-15, 07:40 PM
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How close does one need to be in order to be considered drafting? I ride as fast as I can on my commute (mostly Rail Trail) which is pretty slow. Occasionally, I will get passed by someone [on the trail] going a little faster than I and I will come up to about a bike lengths gap, and over about half a me and try to keep up for a couple miles. It makes me feel good to ride at the faster pace, which feels like reduced effort, but it may be adrenaline. I'm not fast enough to have ever had anyone ride behind me who wasn't just blocked. I'm new to commuting this year, and nobody has ever been mean to me when they see me doing this, to announce my intention, what should I say?
08-23-15, 08:39 PM
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Hello BikeForums folks,
Today I was on my typical commute from work. Panniers on the back, casual clothing etc. I ride a road bike and commute regulary, I'd call myself a fairly casual commuter. Not super fast, not slow either.
So I'm on the home stretch (I'm within 2 miles of home) and pushing a bit. I pass a fellow cyclist on an uphill. Middle-aged guy in kit, looked fairly serious. I gave a smile and wave as I passed on the uphill. I crested the hill and start cruising down the other side, pushing a bit as I'm getting close to home. I get to the bottom of the hill and the road levels out. At this point, I look behind me (car check) for the first time since passing the guy. I am surprised to see this guy LOCKED IN behind me about a foot off of my rear wheel. I was really surprised, but I went with it!
Finally, only a half mile later I signal and make my left turn on to my road and the guy continues ahead. I give a nod and a "have a nice ride", but barely get a nod in return.
Is this commonplace? Have you experienced this before? I thought it was strange, but maybe I'm just overthinking something that isn't that out of the ordinary. If anything, I thought it was pretty funny for some odd reason!
Today I was on my typical commute from work. Panniers on the back, casual clothing etc. I ride a road bike and commute regulary, I'd call myself a fairly casual commuter. Not super fast, not slow either.
So I'm on the home stretch (I'm within 2 miles of home) and pushing a bit. I pass a fellow cyclist on an uphill. Middle-aged guy in kit, looked fairly serious. I gave a smile and wave as I passed on the uphill. I crested the hill and start cruising down the other side, pushing a bit as I'm getting close to home. I get to the bottom of the hill and the road levels out. At this point, I look behind me (car check) for the first time since passing the guy. I am surprised to see this guy LOCKED IN behind me about a foot off of my rear wheel. I was really surprised, but I went with it!
Finally, only a half mile later I signal and make my left turn on to my road and the guy continues ahead. I give a nod and a "have a nice ride", but barely get a nod in return.
Is this commonplace? Have you experienced this before? I thought it was strange, but maybe I'm just overthinking something that isn't that out of the ordinary. If anything, I thought it was pretty funny for some odd reason!
And yes, its creepy that he did that.
Last edited by mr geeker; 08-23-15 at 10:26 PM.
08-23-15, 08:44 PM
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Yes, it happens but is not common.
You no longer a stranger if you introduce yourself!
You no longer a stranger if you introduce yourself!
