Mr. Beanz

Ah, I see. That explains it. I'm thinking of the guys on the trail that are carrying a lower pace but pick it after we pass, then shadow us for 5-10 miles for some strange reason.

Actually, from light to light, 10 feet isn't anything strange as long a you aren't right on his wheel.

nosignature

i actually had a racer pass me a few weeks ago while descending baldy and ask to rotate pulls on the way down to claremont. that was quite a bit of fun, but we both gave plenty of space once the speed got to 40+.

Mr. Beanz

Could be fun with two knowing and willing parties. Very dangerous if one has no clue that the other is there.

volosong

You are more reserved than I am, Mr. Beanz. I would have a few choice words for the unannounced drafter. Heck, not even the TdF riders draft that close on downhills. Watch them! (When the motor bikes can keep up.) There is probably about four or five bike lengths at the absolute minimum between them ... usually much more. We all saw what happened the other year when Beloki blew a tire with Armstrong on his tail. It ended Joseba's career and Lance became re-acquainted with cyclocross.

Mr. Beanz

I think I was more in shock and worried about slowing Gina down carefully so that he'd get off her wheel. As he went by I shook my head at the guy and gave him a disgusted "are you stupid?" look but he didn't look at me. I thought that I should have said saying something but no till after he had gone and it was to late. Sometimes you just don't think about it till it's over and done.

bitingduck

You need to see more of it... There are plenty of times when the pros draft very close on downhills-- a group can go faster than an individual rider by taking advantage of the draft. It's not unusual when you see just a pair descending for the guy in back to coast by the guy in front and give him a push, then get back on his wheel.

nvrlnd7

On the downhill i'm not really into that. i generally wont draft anyone unless i find and unexpected wheel sucker that i've been dragging for awhile,and this only happens on the 101.If i notice them there i slow just a tad let them get in front and pull,i know my routes and i've got some climbs just to get home.

playrider

This brings up something I've wondered about. Maybe you can answer this for me: What about when you close behind someone and are preparing to pass? Is there a rule here about drafting before you pass or is it okay to just ride along until it's safe/clear/etc?

I've been off my bike for a couple of months now due to an auto collision, but I'm back on my feet and jogging until my doc says I'm safe for cycling. (The accident resulted in a head injury and she wants to make sure I have no balance issues.) But I'll be back on again and riding the SART, where I am mostly passed by other people. See you out there soon!

Mr. Beanz

I've never had a problem with someone passing from behind taking breather for a minute. FTR, if this happens, I don't jump on the guys wheel when he rolls by, I continue at my pace. But if a rider doesn't know that you are passing, he may just think you had been sitting on his wheel for a while, which some guys don't like.

I myself don't jump in a draft even if I'm doing the passing. I'd rather stay clear of other riders. Some riders will ride up into your draft then just roll on by with a few seconds of relief.


I was wondering why we hadn't seen you guys out there!

vertical bob

I guess Lance feels a little different about strangers drafting him LOL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxcY2hvBQZs

himespau 

the thing about drafting someone before you pass them is it requires at least 2 pace changes. First you have to slow down to their pace, and then you have to bring it up again to pass them. I'd just as soon maintain my pace and pass them right away. Of course if it's not safe to pass them, I usually slow down and follow from a ways back so I can see the road up ahead and the potential hazards easier.