what is an appropriate distance to follow someone on the MUP?
09-13-10, 03:27 PM
#1
born again cyclist
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what is an appropriate distance to follow someone on the MUP?
so today, i was on my slow mountain bike, and feeling pretty sluggish after a boozy weekend, but i was still trucking along at an ok pace when, after about 20 minutes, i caught up to another commuter on a mountain bike who was going about 0.1 mph slower than me. i didn't really have the speed or energy to pass and drop him (i was DRAGGING this morning), so i just stayed in back of him until we both left the MUP several more miles ahead.
not wanting to be a stealth drafter or "wheelsucker", i maintained roughly two bike lengths between my front tire and his rear tire. my question: is that an adequate distance to safely follow someone else going the same speed as you?
not wanting to be a stealth drafter or "wheelsucker", i maintained roughly two bike lengths between my front tire and his rear tire. my question: is that an adequate distance to safely follow someone else going the same speed as you?
09-13-10, 03:37 PM
#2
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It depends on a lot of things ( ahem ... your reaction time ) but two bike lengths is plenty. One wheel length might get you yelled at.
09-13-10, 03:59 PM
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if the rider in front can spit on you, you're too close
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whitecat
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08-27-10 04:34 PM
