OK, here's the lowdown on drafting etiquette from someone who's been drafter and draftee for the past 35 years:

On an organized group ride or club training ride, drafting is expected. If you go OTB (off the back, aka "shelled"), the ride is basically over for you if it's a training ride, or time to let the next group catch you if it's an organized ride.

If you're on your own (such as commuting to work), then all bets are off. Typically, what happens is you're riding along minding yer own business when some insecure guy (it's always a guy) pushing his top gear at 60 rpms comes flying by. This is an unspoken invitation to draft him, especially if you're on a fixie with a 70" gear or less. Along with the invitation to draft is the invitation to stomp his sorry little ass on the first uphill section that comes along. I usually like to ride no hands and clean off my Oakleys after I've opened a five-bike gap. This usually sends a clear message, especially when the gap keeps increasing despite his strenuous efforts.

If you pass another rider, expect him to draft you. A good rider will usually take advantage of your draft, but will be courteous enough to not try to turn it into a race by passing you. If you want him to take the lead, just swing off, like in a normal pace line. If he comes flying by, see paragraph above. Warning: if he is in the same small gear as you and has a very fluid technique, just stay on his wheel. Don't try to pass him unless he swings off to let you take the lead. You are not going to be able to drop this guy.

Things to note: the better the rider, the easier he is to draft. On the track, behind a really experienced rider, I can get within a couple of inches of his rear wheel at 40 kmh and still feel comfortable. This is because a good trackie never, ever backpedals. He controls his speed by making slight movements up or down the banking. A poor rider, by contrast, requires a gap so you can react to his sudden backpedaling or braking (on the road) or unexpected exaggerated lateral motion.

Pay attention to wind direction. You don't usually draft directly behind the rider. You're usually slightly off to the leeward side, not only for better wind protection, but so you can see what's ahead - very important when riding in traffic. Don't be afraid to lean your head over so you can better see what's happening. If it's a crosswind, you can even get almost alongside the lead rider. Always swing off into the wind.

In any event, when you get to a hill, again all bets are off. If the rider you're drafting is annoyed that you're on his wheel, he'll try to drop you here. This is where drafting turns into pacing. You don't get a draft going up a hill, but you do get a psychological boost having a rabbit in front of you. This is what the team leaders in the Tour are doing on the big climbs.

One more thing: on the road, when you swing off, most guys will flick their elbow in the direction they're swinging off. On the track, don't do this. Bad form. Just looking over your shoulder will signal what you're going to do.

OK, that's drafting etiquette.

- L.