Bike Forums - Drafted by a stranger....is this common?

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- - Drafted by a stranger....is this common? (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/1025041-drafted-stranger-common.html)

How close does one need to be in order to be considered drafting? I ride as fast as I can on my commute (mostly Rail Trail) which is pretty slow. Occasionally, I will get passed by someone [on the trail] going a little faster than I and I will come up to about a bike lengths gap, and over about half a me and try to keep up for a couple miles. It makes me feel good to ride at the faster pace, which feels like reduced effort, but it may be adrenaline. I'm not fast enough to have ever had anyone ride behind me who wasn't just blocked. I'm new to commuting this year, and nobody has ever been mean to me when they see me doing this, to announce my intention, what should I say?

The biggest issue is if they hit your back wheel and take YOU down. Most folks don't understand that a loaded bike loses momentum quickly and is sometimes harder to keep arrow straight (and that I'm usually gassed after work). Thank goodness it rarely happens to me. Being old and slow is good.

Drafting is an integral part of road cycling sport. So, many roadies take it for granted (still is good etiquette asking if they don't mind), but I can see how to commuting-only riders it may feel strange, even creepy.

Riding close on an organized club or training ride = drafting. :thumb:
Stranger riding close on commute = tailgating. :notamused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ph4r (Post 18102190)

The draft benefit decreases as you get further away but you'll still get a decent draft with a bike length between you and the rider in front. Whether that bothers someone is a different question. For reference in triathlon where drafting is not allowed I believe they have to leave a minimum of 7 bike lengths. Even at that distance there can be some benefit if the wind isn't from the side.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcs (Post 18102974)

Riding close on an organized club or training ride = drafting. :thumb:
Stranger riding close on commute = tailgating. :notamused:

I agree

Quote:

Originally Posted by m00nset (Post 18078712)

Hello BikeForums folks,

Today I was on my typical commute from work. Panniers on the back, casual clothing etc. I ride a road bike and commute regulary, I'd call myself a fairly casual commuter. Not super fast, not slow either.

So I'm on the home stretch (I'm within 2 miles of home) and pushing a bit. I pass a fellow cyclist on an uphill. Middle-aged guy in kit, looked fairly serious. I gave a smile and wave as I passed on the uphill. I crested the hill and start cruising down the other side, pushing a bit as I'm getting close to home. I get to the bottom of the hill and the road levels out. At this point, I look behind me (car check) for the first time since passing the guy. I am surprised to see this guy LOCKED IN behind me about a foot off of my rear wheel. I was really surprised, but I went with it!

Finally, only a half mile later I signal and make my left turn on to my road and the guy continues ahead. I give a nod and a "have a nice ride", but barely get a nod in return.

Is this commonplace? Have you experienced this before? I thought it was strange, but maybe I'm just overthinking something that isn't that out of the ordinary. If anything, I thought it was pretty funny for some odd reason!

I don't get drafted. I don't draft off others. I'm too slow for either to happen. Personally, I've never seen folks do it around here but then again I'm not exactly the social type either... so random draftings could be the norm and I'm just not on the cool-in-the-know-list.
And yes, its creepy that he did that.

Yes, it happens but is not common.
You no longer a stranger if you introduce yourself!