GEEZ. Does everyone on this site have ADHD or something? Poster gives a specific situation and they get on a tangent like husband-wife rides, centuries, etc.
As long as you cough or clear your throat or something that makes your presence known, you are more than likely OK. If you say "hey, can I hang on here for a while?" is fine. Going 3 miles on a ride doesn't require you to 'pull' especially if you are uncomortable doing so.
The lead guy does 15% to 20% more work than the 2nd guy. The third guy does 10% less than the 2nd guy. (in general from TT times)
If you can help, then sit in, get your HR down, then pull through. You've got to know when to pull and more importantly when to pull off and stop.
Saying "hey, mind if I hang on back here for a few miles?"
NOBODY would mind under that scenerio. There is a practical solution to YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION.
Thank you for asking the question, you are obviously in tune with the sport and want to do the right thing. Thank you for that. It's the little nuances that you learn that will help you have a more satisfying experience.
Originally Posted by
hsilman
I was cruising along the Hudson River Greenway today on my way home from work when I happened to be barely passed by a couple of guys going slightly faster than my normal cruising speed. I decided to drop in behind them for a bit since they were going my way, the lead on a road bike and the follower on a mtb with slicks.
Anyways, I end up drafting off them for a good 3 miles or so before my turn off and it helped me easily gain about 3 mph over my usual pace and expend a lot less energy.
My question is, do you generally mind when people are sucking your wind? It seemed like they knew each other, and they knew what I was up to. They never seemed annoyed or said anything to me. It was actually a nice break on my way home to not have to fight the wind off the water for the whole 5 miles.
But, being new to cycling I didn't want to do anything rude or break some kind of unwritten code. Also, I don't know physics that well but was I making the lead guy work harder to "pull" me forward?
just wondering how you guys feel about strangers pacing you when you are out for a ride?