Drafting

The topic of drafting came up on the I Rode Today thread. Seemed to me like it deserved its own thread. I think of drafting as being close enough to a rider ahead of you so that you get some respite from the wind. For that you have to be pretty close, within a couple feet at least. Often less than a foot. It's perfectly fine to draft when you're in a group out on a training ride where everybody knows what to expect and you're going to maintain a consistent speed. In my opinion, drafting has no place under the following circumstances:

  • In traffic requiring frequent stopping or slowing
  • Without agreement/permission

The first bullet cuts out most urban situations where various hazards (cars, pedestrians, other bikes, and stop signs/lights) keep you from maintaining a consistent speed. I think it also eliminates the LFT, certainly in the summer (search for "Lakefront Lance"), but others may disagree. The second bullet is just common sense. Why would you want to ride six inches behind someone whose cycling skills or temperament you don't know?

My 2¢...

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on February 27, 2014 at 6:02am

Agreed on all points.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on February 27, 2014 at 6:05am

I agree with Kevin.

Kevin C said:

Agreed on all points.

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on February 27, 2014 at 6:35am

I believe the only counter-argument has been advanced by Adam; i.e. it benefits him in high winds.

Jeff Schneider said:

I'd like to hear a counter-argument.  I can't think of any.

Permalink Reply by T.K. 3.5 mi on February 27, 2014 at 6:48am

In high wind situations with groups of friends I have been a part of haphazard draft lines. One memorable one was riding north from Comiskey on a very windy and chilly fall night. The streets were mostly clear of cars. It was definitely a big help and a lot of fun.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 27, 2014 at 6:51am

Agreed. But it only makes sense if you're riding with someone you know who: 1) is okay with being drafted; 2) has good riding skills; and 3) is trustworthy and communicates well in emergency situations.

Kevin C said:

I believe the only counter-argument has been advanced by Adam; i.e. it benefits him in high winds.

Jeff Schneider said:

I'd like to hear a counter-argument.  I can't think of any.

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on February 27, 2014 at 7:00am

I hope you didn't think that I thought this was a good or valid counter-argument.

Anne Alt said:

Agreed. But it only makes sense if you're riding with someone you know who: 1) is okay with being drafted; 2) has good riding skills; and 3) is trustworthy and communicates well in emergency situations.

Kevin C said:

I believe the only counter-argument has been advanced by Adam; i.e. it benefits him in high winds.

Jeff Schneider said:

I'd like to hear a counter-argument.  I can't think of any.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 27, 2014 at 9:59am

No, Kevin.  I was just reinforcing your point.  ;)

Kevin C said:

I hope you didn't think that I thought this was a good or valid counter-argument.

Anne Alt said:

Agreed. But it only makes sense if you're riding with someone you know who: 1) is okay with being drafted; 2) has good riding skills; and 3) is trustworthy and communicates well in emergency situations.

Kevin C said:

I believe the only counter-argument has been advanced by Adam; i.e. it benefits him in high winds.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on February 27, 2014 at 10:28am

It is definitely the best American pilsner you can get in Chicago. Especially when you get it on draft.

h' 1.0 said:

Corner Bar on Leavitt has draft Trumer Pils.  Does anyone besides me think this is the best beer you can get on Amercian soil?

Permalink Reply by David Barish on February 27, 2014 at 11:58am

The windy exception still does not merit a pace line. Riders moving in and out of the line in the urban milieu is a recipe for disaster. The strong person of the group will take the wind take long turns. there can only be infrequent changes at the front in the city. The weaker riders will take no turns as that is better than having them up front for a block or two.

Permalink Reply by Anne on February 27, 2014 at 2:40pm

I agree.

Many years ago I chatted up a guy because he had beautiful form rollerblading...a bit of a headwind and he asked if he could draft behind me and I said "sure...I'm on a fixie so no sudden stops". I didn't realise until later that it was Shani Davis!



notoriousDUG said:

I agree with Kevin.

Kevin C said:

Agreed on all points.

Permalink Reply by Wolf-Pup on February 27, 2014 at 3:04pm

I'm not a fan of pilsner beers. But I would be willing to try this beer at Corner Bar. Also, I've never been to that bar. We should do this, and then proceed to draft each other the short distance to a second bar. That's my 2 cents.

Permalink Reply by ilter on February 27, 2014 at 4:45pm

I would like to take this opportunity to vent about pacelines on the lake front.  Almost every morning during my commute in the summer, I am startled by a shitty paceline. Why say I shitty?

1) the leader rides as if he/she is riding alone, not communicating w/ other riders, not moving to the left early enough, not giving ample space while passing.

2) the leaders goes too fast, drafters are barely holding on, pushing hard with their heads down, not paying attention to what's ahead.

3) drafters tend to place themselves to the right of the leader and that puts them even closer to any runner/cyclist/etc. that they are passing.

Once in a full moon, there would be an experienced and considerate leader who adjusts speed, communicates, moves the whole group in advance, and they pass me sooo beautifully that I feel like crying.  Any other time, I curse.

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