beingtxstate

I know, this may be better suited to the Commuting rather than C&A forum, but I like you guys better

It was windy this morning, but luckily mostly at my back (SW @ 30mph, gusting to 40) My morning ride is West to East, so I'm fine, at least until I head home...

The last 1.5 miles I managed to catch the draft of a University work truck. It let me cruise into campus at 25-30mph with minimal effort. So much fun to just fly like that! I would have thanked the guy, but he took right turn where I went left, and I didn't get to do more than a wave If he even saw it, I don't know if he got my intentions, but at least I tried. The funniest part was watching other drivers' faces as I blew past. I don't think they realized I wasn't really trying due to the draft.

Drafting can be a fun cheap thrill, do any of you guys do this through traffic? How does surrounding traffic react? Do you worry about getting into a wreck/crashing? Just curious!

Tom Stormcrowe

It's a real hoot to blow through downtown Lafayette as well, passing the traffic and catching all the lights on the bike on green. There's a very slight downgrade that isn't really visible from inside a car, but you can really get moving and roll along 25-28 MPH fairly comfortably if the wind is right.

East Hill

I've read varying reactions to drafting in traffic. It seems that you need to be very careful, because it appears to be pretty easy to crash.

Chipcom can probably give you a good summary of distilled commuting wisdom on various aspects of drafting.

East Hill

unixpro

Be *very* careful when drafting in traffic. The vehicle you're drafting may not realize that you're back there and stop or make a turn you don't expect. In addition, there may be something in the road that you don't see until the last minute.

bautieri

That too would concern me. I would certainly hate for a giant pothole, tree branch, former fuzzy critter etc. that the vehicle your drafting decides to straddle. It does sound like fun but be careful.

Bau

jakereed

Just wanted to add my 2 cents on drafting.

Besides being inherently dangerous to draft behind a truck without the drivers knowledge or permission, it's also considered very rude. Well, at least it used to be.

beingtxstate

Thanks all for the replies.
Concerning potholes, etc.: This particular stretch of road I know well, so no fear there

Draftee awareness: Being a flatbed work truck, it was more likely he saw me, but then again maybe not

Rudeness: I never thought of drafting as any rude, though I admit it could easily be construed as such. It seems to me that whenever you are riding in heavy street traffic, you are going to be drafting more often than not. One of my other routes takes me on the main 'drag' through campus, and during the morning/afternoon it is bumper to bumper. Also the speed limit is 25, so it is easier just to get in the lane and move with traffic. In that situation, drafting is almost inevitable, not to mention the car behind you is also 'drafting'. Hence why I usually take other routes.

These are all good points, thanks for sharing!

andrelam

Yesterday was without a doubt the finest riding day yet this year. It won't last seeing that I may see rain, sleet, or snow on the way home today. That little taste of Spring was wonderful. I had to go to our 2nd office during the day so I had a lovely additional 5 mile ride there in the bright sun. I could actually ride without my beenie cap under my helmet and I could wear my "normal" full finger riding gloves rather than use my heavy winter gloves. What a delight. A nice 5 mile ride to the bike store to go and look at my short list of bikes again, and then an other 5 mile ride back to the office, and then it was almost time to ride 5 miles home again.

Happy riding,
André

beingtxstate

Yeah I hear ya! Yesterday was great, it is gonna be okay for the trip in this morning, but I'll be riding home in T-storms...

breadbin

Fair play to you, once you're cycling its all good. drafting can be dangerous i suppose but i was doing it for years and never had any near misses or anything. thats not to sya its not gonna happen to you! be careful and enjoy yourself;-)