Drafting etiquette
09-14-21, 09:15 AM
#51
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09-14-21, 09:32 AM
#52
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Note that the chart showing the savings from drafting assumes a speed of 45km/hr, significantly faster than most people are riding.
It must be a sign of the times. BITD no one ever asked for permission to draft: typically, riders preferred the company of another cyclist(s). Riders would also talk with each other, sometimes even share when and where they normally ride so as to meet up again. Pulling on ones brakes to crash the guy behind you is very poor form.
It must be a sign of the times. BITD no one ever asked for permission to draft: typically, riders preferred the company of another cyclist(s). Riders would also talk with each other, sometimes even share when and where they normally ride so as to meet up again. Pulling on ones brakes to crash the guy behind you is very poor form.
09-14-21, 10:50 AM
#53
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This often puts me in a quandary - I know that women, especially the fitter ones, often find male cyclists will catch them and pass them, then blow up down the road. I don't want to be That Guy. OTOH, there's the phenomenon you describe, where a stranger hangs out behind them making them uncomfortable. I don't want to be That Guy, either.
What's happened to me a number of times is that because I'm heavy, on downhill sections I'll roll up on women who look like they'll kick my ass on the next uphill, so I don't pass because I don't want to be the first That Guy, but now I'm behind them, sometimes freewheeling, trying to stay back far enough that I don't become the OTHER That Guy.
What's happened to me a number of times is that because I'm heavy, on downhill sections I'll roll up on women who look like they'll kick my ass on the next uphill, so I don't pass because I don't want to be the first That Guy, but now I'm behind them, sometimes freewheeling, trying to stay back far enough that I don't become the OTHER That Guy.
totally joking but not kidding.
09-14-21, 11:00 AM
#54
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Sure: "Hi! I'm not a creep, scoping out your ass. I just figure you'll kick mine on the next hill, so I'll just stay behind you freewheeling for another minute or two, okay?"
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09-14-21, 11:01 AM
#55
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09-14-21, 01:52 PM
#56
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Or perhaps, "Hi! I'm a creep, scoping out your ass. Would you mind indulging me, and then you can drop me since I can't keep up anyway?"
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09-14-21, 02:53 PM
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I don't care one freak'n bit if someone announces or not because I have a mirror and have watched them approach from WAY BACK. ANOTHER THANG is I do not speed up or expect them to pull because being out by myself and I ride MY RIDE.
p.s. - I agree with asking if it is OK.
p.s. - I agree with asking if it is OK.
09-14-21, 05:32 PM
#58
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Simplest solution: Draft minimum three bike lengths back. Yes, it’s not as helpful a draft, but it’s not close enough to trigger awkward discussions or safety concerns for either rider.
09-14-21, 05:38 PM
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No, the most simple solution is to announce yourself and talk to the other rider. Jesus, is it that hard to just f'ing communicate?
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09-14-21, 05:50 PM
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09-14-21, 05:54 PM
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If you soft pedal then your freewheel doesn't make any sound.
Yes.. i'm that creepy guy.
Is it any worse than watching those stupid Tic Toc videos where half the guys don't have any pants on. (Yes, i'm talking to you)
Yes.. i'm that creepy guy.
Is it any worse than watching those stupid Tic Toc videos where half the guys don't have any pants on. (Yes, i'm talking to you)
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09-14-21, 06:02 PM
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09-14-21, 06:10 PM
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09-14-21, 06:14 PM
#66
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In fact, the one time someone did ask me to swap turns after taking my wheel, I declined. It was awkward AF. If I really want someone off my wheel, I know enough to slow down
So, you do you, but please don’t engage me in chatter just because we’re sharing the same road for a short period of time.
09-14-21, 06:22 PM
#67
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Yes, we all encounter slower riders. But you're faster then pass as soon as it's safe.
When i'm on a MUP and come up behind someone and it's not safe to pass, I tell them "i'll wait till its safe" so they don't get nervous.
I've seen many bad passes when people don't communicate.
09-14-21, 06:37 PM
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09-14-21, 06:37 PM
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Yes. Yes it iS. I’m riding a bike, not at a social event, and just because I occasionally encounter random people who move at different rates of speed that occasionally put them in front of me for short periods of time, do I need to engage them. In my experience, this only occurs on a two mile shared path that I typically try to avoid, and no one has ever needed to tell me to back off, nor have I ever noticed someone not directly on my wheel.
In fact, the one time someone did ask me to swap turns after taking my wheel, I declined. It was awkward AF. If I really want someone off my wheel, I know enough to slow down
So, you do you, but please don’t engage me in chatter just because we’re sharing the same road for a short period of time.
In fact, the one time someone did ask me to swap turns after taking my wheel, I declined. It was awkward AF. If I really want someone off my wheel, I know enough to slow down
So, you do you, but please don’t engage me in chatter just because we’re sharing the same road for a short period of time.
09-14-21, 06:41 PM
#70
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mom’s basement? Idiot? as insults go this is weak. I don’t even think you would say that to me in person, but somehow you think it acceptable behind a keyboard. Ok…
09-14-21, 06:49 PM
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If we were both on the road and this situation came up you can bet your bottom dollar I'd say to your face if you refused to communicate at all. It's not that hard, you should try it sometime...in person.
ETA: I'm sorry to all involved that this thread has degenerated to this level. It does demonstrate that there are indeed all kinds of warped personalities out there on the road and what should be one of the most basic problem solving techniques is most definitely not so basic. If it's 'Awkward AF' to come up with a few words when asked a simple question I don't know what else to say.
ETA: I'm sorry to all involved that this thread has degenerated to this level. It does demonstrate that there are indeed all kinds of warped personalities out there on the road and what should be one of the most basic problem solving techniques is most definitely not so basic. If it's 'Awkward AF' to come up with a few words when asked a simple question I don't know what else to say.
Last edited by cxwrench; 09-14-21 at 06:54 PM.
09-14-21, 09:37 PM
#72
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I was out on an early Saturday morning ride and as I was taking a hit off my water bottle a duo passed by. The guy in the rear gave me a hand signal to catch up with them. I thought what a nice move. I followed about 2-3 lengths behind for 6-7 miles then peeled off. No real chatter, but felt the good vibe. No big deal.
09-14-21, 09:43 PM
#73
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yeah, depending...
If you're in Central Park, on a weekend morning (but why ??? crazy melee !!! ) expect everything including many loose groups you can certainly jump on to...
But iff'n you're in a quieter and gentler place (LOL! , do those exist ?) like my part of Ca. Then jump on the wheels of those you know, and let them know you're there...
But yeah, riding close on the wheel of someone you don;t know is a formula for disaster, for the unwelcome follower - unless you let them know you're there, and they're ok with it.
I don;t bother - I just keep a few lengths back, if we're roughly at the same velocity...
Really, if you wanna develop skills for riding on a wheel, go do whatever 'training rides' might be in your area.
Err on the side of sensibility...
someone wants to ride my wheel - shoulder shrug... it's my ride, I continue as I am planning to do...
If I know they're there, I might handsignal major surprise road crap... otherwise I might signal a turn...
You're on 'Your Ride', it's not racing - wanna race, get a license...
OP, you learned something... do your ride... unwanted wheel suckers are rarely appreciated - advise from a skilled wheel sucker... LOL
Thx
Yuri
If you're in Central Park, on a weekend morning (but why ??? crazy melee !!! ) expect everything including many loose groups you can certainly jump on to...
But iff'n you're in a quieter and gentler place (LOL! , do those exist ?) like my part of Ca. Then jump on the wheels of those you know, and let them know you're there...
But yeah, riding close on the wheel of someone you don;t know is a formula for disaster, for the unwelcome follower - unless you let them know you're there, and they're ok with it.
I don;t bother - I just keep a few lengths back, if we're roughly at the same velocity...
Really, if you wanna develop skills for riding on a wheel, go do whatever 'training rides' might be in your area.
Err on the side of sensibility...
someone wants to ride my wheel - shoulder shrug... it's my ride, I continue as I am planning to do...
If I know they're there, I might handsignal major surprise road crap... otherwise I might signal a turn...
You're on 'Your Ride', it's not racing - wanna race, get a license...
OP, you learned something... do your ride... unwanted wheel suckers are rarely appreciated - advise from a skilled wheel sucker... LOL
Thx
Yuri
Last edited by cyclezen; 09-14-21 at 10:13 PM.
09-14-21, 10:07 PM
#74
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Yes. Yes it iS. I’m riding a bike, not at a social event, and just because I occasionally encounter random people who move at different rates of speed that occasionally put them in front of me for short periods of time, do I need to engage them. In my experience, this only occurs on a two mile shared path that I typically try to avoid, and no one has ever needed to tell me to back off, nor have I ever noticed someone not directly on my wheel.
In fact, the one time someone did ask me to swap turns after taking my wheel, I declined. It was awkward AF. If I really want someone off my wheel, I know enough to slow down
So, you do you, but please don’t engage me in chatter just because we’re sharing the same road for a short period of time.
In fact, the one time someone did ask me to swap turns after taking my wheel, I declined. It was awkward AF. If I really want someone off my wheel, I know enough to slow down
So, you do you, but please don’t engage me in chatter just because we’re sharing the same road for a short period of time.
but... cycling being what it is and continues to signify to me... I generally try to be a decent role model, especially on any time spent on the MUP...
I'm usually wearing club colors, so aware that others will be judging... I wave, especially to families with kids on bikes... I slow when passing them either way.
If it's a smaller kid, I usually "nice bike' or 'kool helmet' or just a smile and wave.
Costs nothing, means everything in the connection to future riders.
Parents are especially grateful when not all "spandex racers' are a-holes... I'm not unusual, most of the seasoned, good riders in our area act the same...
Especially on a MUP, where there's a 2 way 10 ft ribbon with soft dirt, bushes and trees along side...
Cycling has given and continues to give me a lot; least I can do is be the better side of riding and riders... old and slow as I am...
Ride on
Yuri
Last edited by cyclezen; 09-14-21 at 10:15 PM.
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