shedbaum

I have just started riding on a road bike. I am training for the MS 150 from San antonio to Corpus. My sister and and her husband were trying to show me how to draft. I do not feel comfortable doing this. For one thing I am not sure I trust myself much less the other person. How can I overcome my fear of riding so close? Do I just need more experience actually doing this or should I just ride and say the hell with it?

my58vw

The only way you feel comfortable drafting is to just do it. You do not have to be 6 inches off the wheel, you can start a few feet back and move closer and closer as you get more confidence, skills. The only way to do that is realize that it is safe and fun to ride in a pace line.

Good Luck

skinnyone

Well you have to get over it in your mind first... Practice makes perfect... Shadow at a wheelength away if you are unsure of the person up front...

55/Rad

Drafting and pack riding is one of the most enjoyable aspects of riding in my opinion. You can ride much faster with less energy spent if you aren't constantly breaking the wind by yourself.

Learning to ride at such close quarters takes some time and practice. At first, it can seem quite spooky and nerve wracking, but in time, it can become second nature. I suggest checking into any local recreational clubs and trying to get out more on some organized rides. Here, you can practice with like-minded people and learn the tips and protocol for proper pack riding. Good luck.

55/Rad

shedbaum

Thanks guys,
I appreciate the input. I will start practicing.

borg

Something worth noting in your quest for drafting is that it is easier to draft off someone with a smooth pedal stroke. This is usually someone with lots of miles on the bike. They won't fluctuate on the bike much even when the terrain changes. This makes it easier draft them and you will feel more comfortable. The more I trust the person in front, the closer I am willing to get. And by trust...it doesn't mean you have to konw the person....it only takes a few seconds of watching them pedal to get a good idea of how smooth they are.

puddin' legs

Don't stare at the wheel in front of you...it's usually this "tunnel vision" created by focusing on a wheel that is the most disconcerting, but the good news is you don't need to do this to follow pretty closely. Judge distances by looking at the small of a rider's back instead. Until you're used to this, sure, take a quick glance to double check, but try to keep your eyes and thoughts forward.

biodiesel

more experience

also, try staying about 12" back, you wont get as much benifit but it does help.

Gienek

Practice, Practice and more practice until you overcome the fear. I learned from years of cycling, since I was a little child messing around with other kids on the block.

Hipcycler

Like they all said....and I would add this: Don't try it with inexperienced people. It's a crash waiting to happen. The only people I will ride with like that are riders that I can see are very straight...smooth....steady...PREDICTABLE. Never make any sudden changes.

MasterSezFaster

Dito the above and as the others have said, you need to get past your fear or at least be able to control it enough that it does not bother you. Since you are riding with people you know then you should be somewhat familiar with how good of riders they are.

The bigest problem I have had drafting riders I am not familiar with happens on the hills. Some one will look steady, able to hold their line and no sudden movements. Soon as we encounter an incline they drop to almost a standstill and you end up riding up their arse if your reflexes are not quite there. I have avoided the wrecks the few times this has happend so now I just dont draft unless I have seen the rider a few times and have some idea of what to expect.

One other word of advice, if you are doing the pulling, do not hit your brakes, especially when descendeing, unless absolutely have to. No need to explain why (I hope)

Michel Gagnon

I am (I think) a fairly experienced cyclist, yet I don't draught and don't like to be draughted. Why? Because I almost always have cycled by myself. When I cycle for fun, I want to look at the scenery, smell the flowers... and the last think I want is to check someone's wheel ahead of me or figure out if whoever is behind me will stop in time when I see a good photo opportunity.

Just to say that there definitely are advantages to draughting (speed and saving a bit of energy), but if you don't want to draught, it's not a required cycling skill!

koreansteve

I've drafted some with on my college club rides and the MS150 i did...

But i was wondering how close you need to be to the next guy's wheel in order for the drafting to really be effective. I know "as close as possible" is the best answer, but how far away is 'too' far away?

Retro Grouch 

I'd be real picky who I drafted with in an event like the MS150. That's not the place to learn paceline skills.

koreansteve

actually, i found when i did the MS150it a month ago that if you ride near the lead group you can usually find a pack of 6 guys that know what they're doing and ones that can be trusted to draft off.

**can anyone answer my question above? please

PhatRoadie

Really effective? About 6". You will still get a draft up to 18" -24" away though. Of course this all depends on wind direction. If you aren't comfortable riding so close, 1' will be a good compromise.

DieselDan

You know you're drafting when the wind noise, from your foward progress, gets quieter.

ks1g

Try to practice riding with some friends who will also be riding the MS150. Your sister and brother in law would be ideal if they're riding the MS150. You don't want to be figuring things out during the ride itself. There may be many places during the ride where the traffic, road conditions, or weather make drafting unsafe. But it is a handy way to help cover the miles when you can.