Originally Posted by cycleprincess
This is something I've been wondering about a lot. I have never been able to draft simply because I can't keep up!! How exactly do you draft? Do you have to be directly behind the person, slightly off to the side, right on the wheel (spitting distance) or can you be a little further behind? I'd like to learn before HHH just in case I can catch a paceline, doubtful but useful knowledge nonetheless.
Usually the closer you are to the wheel of the rider in front of you the less wind resistance you will feel. But often the wind will be a factor in that if you have a crosswind then the drafting "tunnel" is going to be offset. (off to the side and rear of the rider in front of you)
I know drafting perhaps too well.
Just ask my group ride mates. Early on in my riding my goal was to keep the group in sight. As I got stronger and more efficient my goal changed to stay in the draft. As I progress further my goal is to now pull whenever I can without holding people up.