Funny. This is very different for me. Ive ridding with many people i didn't know and taking turns. Sometimes i approach them, sometimes they approach me. There is never any communication. You just start working together. Only at the end you say bye to each other.
Former racer. Been riding road for 25+ years in Los Angeles. Seen it all. I'll tell you why he flipped you the bird. When you pulled off and caught back up to him, he probably thought you were showing off. Letting him get away and then catching back up to him. That more than likely fired him up. No matter how wrecked I am coming home from a ride, I will NEVER sit on a wheel I'm not familiar with. Most dangerous thing you can do for the reasons you pointed out.
i dont care. If he crashes i dont care either. Saying now ur responsible is absolute bs. This simply is not true. I think most people that do care are usually also more ego driven in their manners, rules and such. And strict in it and dissaproving of people who deviate from that. Supported by their accomplishments.... The first part of your text supports my theory. U could v just started at "I will NEVER" But by humble bragging (it is despite u thinkin it isnt) ur status u think ur opinion has more weight thus everybody should behave like this. Well no... I like it if someone pops up. Dont has to talk either. That comes on the way. Its playfull norhing more. I can still see the road. Im not bothered. How am i bothered or restricted? Im not. I think ur a bit of an elitist if ur bothered. And a bit of a twat.
I feel like a dick now lol. I'm a new rider and was taking advantage of the draft from a guy because I was near bonking from heavy headwind. Good to know!
I have hopped on a few wheels and it's a matter of common courtesy. "Do you mind if I sit on your wheel?" Or better yet, "would you mind if I work into your rotation?" That let's them know you're willing to do work if they don't mind you joining in. That being said, for those who aren't aware, if two people are riding, the person out front benefits ever so slightly from having someone sit on their wheel as well. It's not nearly as much as the person behind them, but there is an aerodynamic benefit.
It happends to me a lot. A few years ago i would get frustrated that someone is on my wheel but now I just don’t care. I know that the people that are sitting on your wheel propably don’t realize that it can be frustrated for other people. Now I just think that I made someone’s ride a bit more enjoyable and that helps a lot with dealing with my frustrations.
Jonas. Totally agree. I have also changed and started talk to the guys and invite them so they feel comfortable. But Jon I understand you and the situation and if you not comfortable tell them. Last year had a couple of great rides with new friends on my vacation in stelvio.
@@jonmaloneycycling7593 yeah but you can have some fun with it too, like very gradually increasing your power output (so it doesn't look show-offy, like a hard sprint would). If they were a strong enough rider they wouldn't be doing it in the first place. Works every time.
What a difference between the usa and belgium, I think it is very ego boosting when somebody gets in your wheel. It is as they say wow I can not ride that speed on my own but thanks to you I can experience this. If the speed difference is big enough novice riders will not be able to keep your wheel cus they can't ride close enough only the more experienced can. So the danger cancells itself out. Next to that why would they need to introduce themself, if you don't want them sitting on your wheel you can just say so. In Belgium it is the custom if you sit on somebodys wheel for a while or you pull turns you only thank each other when you go sepperate ways. We also have a few hand gestures that are understandable for everybody which is if you are a little bit of a nice person the only thing you need to do when somebody is in your wheel. I think it is incredibly frustrating what you did to that cyclist and I can understand his handgesture because he didn't understand why you did that. Ive read the other reactions and found it depressing that that is the way most usa cyclist think I think that is a fault in your cycling culture, there is nothing wrong with letting other benefit from your draft it helps you also when someone is in your draft your own aerodynamics improve with 5% seems like more of a ego thing in the USA.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Etiquette is important to know in any activity. I gain a lot from these topics and reading the comments. I think it's a weird invasion of space to suck right on an unfamiliar wheel without comment.
I was passing a pedestrian on a gravel path in Boulder when some try-hard’s blew past me while I was passing with 0 warning. As I continued on, I was between the leaders and a straggler, who tried riding my wheel. I gave him a lol brake check and he yells “What’s your f’in problem man??” and continued on.
I recently, when faced with a headwind in the last bit of a 6 hour ride, got behind somebody without communicating. A very safe road and I've kept a bit of an "emergency breaking" distance. But it didn't sit right with me. You're right, the next time I'll talk. Personally I'm mostly not bothered if people get in my wheel, depending on how close they do it and the road situation. Locking in to a power zone as opposed to cadense/speed also gives an interesting dynamic when you're doing the same route for a while as fellow cyclist. Bit like manoeuvring on a highway with cruise control.
Completely agree with you on this. I had a similar situation happen where I approached a couple who were riding together one day and they were clearly riding at a slower pace than I was. I called out ‘on your left’ and passed but the guy for some reason decided to jump on my wheel and left his wife behind! I looked back and saw him on my wheel but he didn’t say anything. I could tell he was struggling to hold my pace and I was similarly annoyed that he just jumped on without saying anything. So after a few minutes I decided to crank up the pace and drop him. After all, his wife was probably more annoyed than I was 😅
So, no it’s not ok to sit on without asking, I go out of my to practice proper etiquette but I think their can be difference of opinion or different perceptions of what is happening on the trail. I’ve also got the finger and not sure why. Just keep smiling and carry on.
Nice to have a person along. Up to me to have the sitational awareness to know whats going on riding in the city or anywhere.was not a long time, he made his turn
I agree with you 100%. I don't even understand why the guy got mad at you. He had no right to be mad. What he did was just rude. I am a big guy at 6'3". So, people seem to love to jump on my wheel. I once passed a group of five and I look back and the one in front jumped on my wheel. So, I had a group of people I didn't know behind me. I was able to pick up the pace more and drop them after about a mile. I live in central N. Carolina, so the hills are a great way to lose someone too. I suck at climbing but the little hills we have, I can just punch over and have done that to get rid of someone. If someone asks or at least talks to me, I don't usually mind at all. Sometimes, I don't mind if they simply jump on. Just depends on what I'm doing and my mood.
Don't let it creep under your skin. Don't change your riding. I was once fed up with a guy that drafted on my wheel, overtook me, but kept riding totally opposite side of the road...! So I felt he did that so I wouldn't draft, after he drafted me, and given the time of day and we both had a backpack, he was riding to work as well and would have liked some draft as well in order to arrive fresh / early at work. In any way, you are NOT responsible for someone sitting on your wheel. He choses to draft, so his choice to take the risks. Normally I'm very relaxed when people draft me, and I point out danger on the road, so they know that I don't mind them sitting in the wheel. This mostly leads to a thumbs up after we split ways... I also draft a lot of e-bikes that are (like me) doing the work-home routine. They usually don't mind and they go fast, so this helps me shorten the ride time after work. When I'm doing intervals, I usually tell them when they are on my wheel that I'm doing an interval and going to slow down in a minute. That really helps to avoid confusing / friction the moment I start soft-pedalling.
I've had guys sit on my wheel but I usually don't care, makes me feel strong 😉. In most cases they interact with me and will even pull so we work together. Other cases they'll just pull off and thank me later and it's no big deal. I think it was the guy's mistake not to at least acknowledge your interaction. I'll usually ask a guy, mind if I tag along? And I'll usually take a pull if I can. The fact that he got worked up enough to flip you off is on him although he probably thought you were toying with him.
Thanks for sharing this. Something i'll consider for future solo rides. I'm relatively new to the sport (3 years) and have only recently started drafting people. Have always wondered whether it's rude to draft a stranger or not. I've done this as it's been done to me so i just thought it was normal. But learn something new everyday. Appreciate it!
I was riding the MS150 one year, and was riding up a long, long hill with a head wind. I was hurting. I had cleared my mind to deal with the pain. After a couple of miles, I finally broke my pace and as I slowed down, another rider passed me and said thank you. I didn’t even know that he was behind me, and not once did he offer to pull. I was quite perturbed. Anyway, at least he said thank you. 😜
You're right! You should only let people draft you who you trust. What if he's one of those that don't pay attention when you have to stop quickly? You shout "STOPPING" and he just runs into the back of you!! Bad day for all!! But a great story did make me chuckle. ;-)
You did great my friend. I’ll do the same thing. I don’t like when I go for a ride and people just come and seat on my wheel without tell me anything. At least they should ask if you don’t might they ride with you or something like that. Especially in this COVID situation. 👍🚴🚴
Anywhere outside of the US drafting randoms is the norm, there is so many people on the bike paths that you will inevitably draft other cyclists. As long as it is an acceptable distance it is completely fine.
When I get on someone’s wheel I always ask first if it is ok. If it is an obvious club ride, everyone has the same club jersey on I just let them go. If it is a weekend ride with a mixed group I usually ask and just stay on the back and try not to mix it up. I do offer to do some work and if the response is positive I’ll take a pull. In your case I would have slowed down, talked to the guy, where are you headed, where did you start, what’s your name that kind of stuff. Then either offer my wheel or explain that I’m doing my own thing and in a nice way say that I really don’t want anyone on my wheel while I’m doing my training. Or I have done this before and ask them if they would like to be a better rider and if they answer yes give a couple of hints that might help them to become better riders.
Great topic Jon - I hear ya! I don't ever grab someone's wheel unless I know them very well and it's been agreed to by them that I do this. I normally catch my husband's wheel but sometimes he likes to stretch out and do some intervals so I'll ride solo for a bit. On a funny note - there have been some group rides where he has done this and then he will wait for me and I have been pulling a long string of older guys from the club!LOL no word from any of them - they just all gathered on behind me. I just figured hey! I'm a strong rider(I'm old too @ 58) and they must need me but it does make me a bit nervous for the reasons you mentioned.
I ride in a fairly popular area for cyclists in my town around a lake. I've never jumped on the wheel of a single rider, and would never do that. But, I have jumped on the wheel of a group of 3 or more for a few minutes, but I usually keep my distance anyway, not drafting like I would in a fast paced group ride. I have had guys jump on my wheel a few times while riding solo, and it's always an older guy, like 60ish years old. Admittedly, when that happens I immediately go into a threshold+ effort in an attempt to drop them. If we are gonna be a group ride all of a sudden, I figure we should work! lol
This happened to me recently. Was riding with a few of my buddies and we pass alittle bit of an older guy at a stop sign, he turns on and catches up to us and gets on my wheel..... I'm a nice guy, he's free to ride with us if he wants to.... We are rider 3 and 4 in the line... I'm having to drop my cadence or very briefly free-wheel every now and then to avoid hitting my brakes or having to half-wheel the guy in front of me....... Every now and then I look behind me to check if cars are approaching and/or if the guy is still on me..... I swear, over half the time, this guy I don't even know is half-wheeling me!! Luckily he turned off after about 4 miles and I didn't have to be the bad guy, but man he was starting to get to me.
Jon, Thank you for this video. I hope the people who keep trying to sit in my draft while I'm doing my TT performance test on the TT route on the Grand River Road near Ada, Michigan, see this. A few weeks ago, an entire group of four sat on my wheel for four miles, even after I asked them to get off three times. This week, I rounded a curve on this route to see a rider a half-mile ahead. I passed him within two minutes. Two minutes later, I turned to check traffic and saw this rider a bike length behind me. At TT speeds, even two meters behind can affect a performance. When I asked him to not draft, he began hassling me. When I asked him to either pass me (he couldn't), or back off, he began slinging insults.
I agree with you. It's a safety issue for me. If I either know them, or it's a stranger that introduces themselves, and I determine that they are around my abilities, I don't mind. But the first time I visited High Park I saw a massive crash from this stranger drafting off a rider. The stranger was clearly on his limits with his head down, and smashed into the rider that was doing steady riding. Fortunately I have not encountered people like the guy you describe. :)
I agree with you 100% he’s a free loader. I mean if he was going fast enough to catch you he should have overtaken you. When it happens to me I slow right down and wave them past.
I’ve drafted back and forth with people quite a lot without speaking. I’m of the opinion that if you can barely eek by me and I kinda stick to you, you’re fine with it esp if you start pointing stuff out. In that case, I don’t get full draft bc I’m prob 5 ft off. But I’ll also pass back and share the load. Usually we when someone peels off, someone will yell good ride. If you blow by me quick or don’t give signals, I get that you’re not into it. If someone hangs on my wheel and I don’t like it, I’ll drop them on a short climb and they can’t catch up. You did nothing wrong.
You were not in the wrong. It’s a weird situation. The guy should should’ve talked to you up front. Also, it is a tough situation to draft off of someone you don’t know, or even have a stranger draft on your wheel - many safety issues. When I come across this situation - if I get a weird vibe I just ride them off my wheel.
I should probably live a place where cyclists are more relaxed... Most of the time, when I overtake an other cyclist or an other cyclist overtakes me, the speed is REALLY different and there's no point in sitting on other's wheel. But once in a while, it happens that we're almost at the same speed. When I overtake, I don't sprint and I always intentionally let the other sit on my wheel if wanted. I don't care, it doesn't cost me anything. And I'm offering an easier ride to someone. On my country, EVERY cyclist should stretch out an arm to indicate any change in directions anyway (like a car turn signal), whether or not there's someone sitting on your wheel. And wildlife is not that present, you have more chance being hit by a car of an old man (that "didn't saw you" in the crossroad) that seing a squirrel crossing the road... I just appreciate a "thanks" before leaving. It's the minimum when someone helped you freely. It even happened once that naturally an alternating shift took place without even speaking. :) But if you're behind, don't take your ride as granted. Don't forget you're getting freely helped by someone you don't even talked to. Don't expect the one in front to stay at this speed, don't stay "head on the wheel" (head on your computer), keep looking at the road and its dangers as if you were alone! Don't rely on the other's indication. It doesn't owe you anything, it doesn't know you after all. And if it's looking like this cyclist want to drop you off, don't fight against it... Or you're just getting weird. (except if it's clearly a challenge) P.S. : Since COVID, things changed a bit. It's not a good idea to stay close to strangers while breathing heavily...
Thank you. Sometimes I do hop on someones back wheel. I guess I should ask but when someone blows by you its hard to ask? I just get on their wheel because I can and if they want to get rid of me its not that hard. Now I feel like a dick
Funny. Because i was riding on a bicycle road this morning. 2 guys in front of me waiting about a 100 meters in front of me. They saw me comming and right before i was about to pass them they got on their bikes. So i sticked to their wheeles. And i mean, like 3 meters up close. I have a bel (ring) on my steeringwheel but decided not to use it. Road behind them for 2 km. And then took a right. Gone. Trying to think positive, i assume the saw my speed and probally thought that they would be faster then me, also they didnt seem to mind i was riding up close. I didnt do it to irritate them. It was a Nice speed and knowing i had to take a right at Some point. I just sticked with them for a while. But normally i dont do this. I prefer riding solo
Yo bro. You're right. For me it all starts with the "introduction". It the guy comes to you without even saying hello things start really bad. Maybe he showed you his middle finger because he felt you disisrepcted him (in that case he must be new to cyclisme maybe) but the fault is his IMO because he didn't even speak to you. Too bad for him 😀
If I ever do that, I'll ask. And if I do, it's someone who's traveling at a speed I can sustain. I think the act of asking lets the other rider know you've done this before so they don't get anxious. I've grabbed a stranger's wheel maybe 10 times over the last couple years, and no one ever said no. I'll hang in for a mile or two and if they haven't turned off, I'll offer a pull. If their upper body is rocking back and forth, they're usually happy to receive it. :)
As a new road cyclist, I see oher cyclist with nicer bikes and tend to draft them to try and learn from their riding and compare myself to them if they ever have a problem or don't want me there for any reason I back off and follow from a distance (assuming they're going the same route)
It's always the guys that can't keep up unless they're drafting behind you that are the cranky prima donnas. Had a guy sitting on my rear wheel for over 20 miles in a 112 mile race. Never took the lead. Rode the whole race drafting behind people.After the race he walks up to me and starts talking like he's some kind of phenomenon. I pretended he wasn't there, ignored him. He realizes i am icing him and starts badmouthing me. At that point i turned my head and stared straight into his eyes. An unspoken calling him out. He sputtered but I never looked away but never touched me.
I've had this happen to me a few times. Had a cat 6 tri guy almost crash bc I hit my brakes. I've also had a guy literally try to race me while I was doing zone 2 on a bike path lmao. Its so annoying and bad etiquette
Another fine video. Thanks. This guys sounds like a jerk. You are right. Someone ridding on your wheel especially that you do not know should at least introduce himself. My god what have we come to. On Bike Souplease, how do I make sure you get the $5 credit? Also they do not make signing up very easy for a subscription very easy.
Sounds like he s mad you let him go to catch up to him again… some see that as a slight . “ you’re so slow i stopped and caught you again” type thing. So he did something hes not supposed to do and thats get on your wheel, thats just rude etiquette.
If you are not aware of another rider being behind you, you will not ride the same way, as if you were aware of him. You will perhaps brake, when you have passed the right crossroad. This is really dangerous. So if there is someone, who is not in the same group, he must stay at least some meters behind, as if he were some other road user. And he can only join your group by talking to you.
I personally would never sit on a wheel unannounced. But I don't mind if someone sits on my wheel as long as I know they are there. Kind of in the same way you described, someone asking if it is okay. But no way should that guy have an expectation that it's okay to sit on your wheel and then shoot the bird because you don't want him on your wheel. Like you said, there is a responsibility to being the front rider. And at that time you might be focused on something else and not really have time to point everything out to the rider behind. Now it is a possibility, as pointed out by another person, that maybe the guy just thought you were showing him up. But if he came to that conclusion without chatting with you to get the facts, then the issue is with him.
I was talking to a pro rider today about it and he said he would never even ride with someone didn't know, let alone let someone draft him. If the guy crashes him then he cant work
@@jonmaloneycycling7593 If I was pro I might have a different perspective. Because now this affects my livelihood. Since I don't race, I am usually not focused on training but rather just enjoying the ride. I can really see both sides. That's why I would never just sit on someone's wheel for any length of time without at least pulling up beside them and letting them know I was there and then see if it was okay to sit on. But if I can ride someone's wheel, I should be willing to pull a few turns in front just to make it even.
Great video. Really entertaining and informative. I'm training for the Triple Bypass in August 2022. I have never really ridden with a group. I know little about drafting. Reading about the TB, I've seen several times that forming groups on the flatter sections can be very beneficial. What is the etiquette on forming groups and taking turns on the front ect.
DON'T just pull in and draft someone without saying hello and asking if they want to ride together. It's like having a stalker sneak up behind you. It's creepy AF. I either just drop them or if they're strong just pull over and let them go - probably giving them a filthy look as they pass.
For me personally I don’t care if they draft me for however long they want, but if I was in a pro race then it’s different. Now has far as direction of path I just tell them before I turn on a road I’m going right or left so they know which way I’m turning then they can decide if they want to follow or not. Ether way I don’t care I just do my thing,! Now if I pull up to a rider I let them know I’m on your left and I just cruise passed them and continue on, I usually ride alone so it’s not an issue.
I think it's okay to take a solo stranger's wheel for do 3 to 5 minutes! 2-3 rider's 5-10 mins... 4 or more 15 mins... But after that you should try to communicate with the rider to make sure it's okay!
I would say that he was in the wrong, especially drafting as closely as you described. Speaking for myself, I would not draft someone who I don't know or have at least talked with for a while to get some idea of their level of experience. Lack of drafting experience could be very dangerous for both riders or in a larger group, all the riders involved. I've had riders come up on me and start drafting me without a word...so I just burn them. Also, I'm an "older" rider and most riders I come across can't keep my pace. I'm just sayin'...
Now I learned something. Where I live everyone (strangers) get on each other wheels. Not really racing, however it's seems no everyone is looking for a free ride. How do you prevent someone from getting on?
Love the channel, sorry to hear about the bikes being stolen, any luck getting them back? Also liked the video on the hammerhead K2, I got mine a couple of weeks ago and love it. As far as the wheel sucker goes, if I come up on another cyclist going the same direction, I speak to them, if they want to talk we can talk but never ride on without talking to them first you never know if they are training or just of for a ride, so ask first. As far as the finger maybe his is missing a finger and it was a peace sign. Good Luck to you on your training.
The world of cycling due to COVID has experienced exponential growth, as you know it is impossible to get a bicycle with immediate delivery or even components. I think a lot of people think they are cyclists because they have a USD7000 + bike and clothes from Italian brands. Cycling is a much more complex culture, especially road cycling and group riding. Hopefully that rider will learn to coexist on the road like a true cyclist and teach newcomers to put safety first.
This is really good point and i think in the future I will be more accepting. It was really that on that day I was in a bad mood and wanted to be on my own doing my own thing
Same thing happened to me man. A guy on my wheel overlapping and it scares me because I only ride solo and I've never ridden in a group and I don't want this guy to crash me because he overlapped my wheel and I don't want to crash him either. If I knew they were gonna give me the finger after, does a brake check work on bikes? 🤣
You were in the right. It’s common courtesy to say hi and ask if it’s ok to draft you. It’s also your right to decline that. That dude was in the wrong and had horrible attitude when he was in the wrong.
I get that a lot... i dont mind if someone says they are doing it, do i mind etc... no problem. If someone just does it in my opinion im not responsible for them... its their decision... they should know better..... what do you think?
The answer is 'no'. I ride alone specifically to be alone, and not to provide domestique service to some douche who thinks he's reliving his glory days in the peloton. I don't owe some hanger-on the courtesy of maintaining HIS pace. I want to stop when I want (and it's safe), slow when I want, swerve when I want, etc. The hanger-on is making it dangerous for me to ride my ride.
Unreal, gotta love the dirty T! I would have turned around and caught up to him to get the story, he could have been bonked or wanting to show he could stay on your wheel.. either way he should of asked for a free lift, could have been a hazard to you if he was on his clip on aero bars 🤢
There is NO trail etiquette anymore! When I ride with my wife we ride rail trails here in PA. People have ear buds in, no one says on your left anymore. I've been put in more hairy situations because people are clueless or don't care. There are to many cyclist now a days who are clueless.
As a cyclist and a runner TBH I would prefer that cyclists don’t say “on your left” because it’s usually too late and can surprise people. I refer a light bell ring and a slow down to pass slowly so people have enough time to hug the side of the path.
I have been riding a road bike for about 2 years now and frequently participate in local group rides. I can sometimes but not always tell when someone is stable and steady in the saddle and is okay to hold their wheel and then there the folks that sit up and stretch or get out of the saddle and send that rear wheel back like a wrecking ball! Long story short.. I have to ride with someone a few times before I'm comfy holding their wheel. Your guy has obviously never experienced a close call.. or maybe doesn't care..? Hard for that to not be a wall of text..😇 ... 💎🦵
Guy was definitely a jerk. (Hopefully I’m not…) How long/close is too long/close? If someone grabs on for 5 seconds is that ok? 60 seconds? What if they’re back 1+ bike lengths? On a steep hill where it’s more motivation than draft? Inside a park with wide lanes and marked bike lanes? I understand the risks you highlight and I don’t really want someone I don’t know near me on busy streets or narrow paths. But I also like the camaraderie of cycling and working together even if it’s just for a brief section. Can you wait to ask permission or is there a zero tolerance and you should never draft for any amount of time at any distance in any environment without first pulling up beside them and asking? I’m not saying that’s unreasonable but I don’t like it. I’d like to think that we’re all working together and if I can help you or you can help me, and the circumstances warrant, then great.
Yes, I think the circumstances are different for every situation, what I would do is just say hi to the person and say “ Do you mind if I sit on for a little bit, I am turning at the next street” etc. As long as you communicate with the other ride, you are good. Its more just sitting on and not saying anything about it that’s weird IMO
You are not responsible for anyone behind you if you don't know they are there. If you can't drop him then he has every right to be wherever he wants on the road.
No no no, you should pull and he get his PB), just joking. I would say chill you can’t change the world, its always will be external things which will get you angry or thinking about it.
Yeah, I don’t like that. It is just a courtesy if you drafting someone. I’ve had my share of people who get on my wheel and don’t say anything. I don’t know they realize the danger they are putting themselves and me in.
I’m 66 and I haven’t rode with a group but it sounds like I can learn a lot if I do! The guy is way off base! Age has nothing to do with him being inconsiderate of others space!
Can’t communicate enough. Should ride a wheel unless you know the other dude or have talked with them. Always tempting to take a wheel and save the energy….but you’re too close for safety reasons to not have chatted up.
Funny. This is very different for me. Ive ridding with many people i didn't know and taking turns. Sometimes i approach them, sometimes they approach me. There is never any communication. You just start working together. Only at the end you say bye to each other.
Former racer. Been riding road for 25+ years in Los Angeles. Seen it all. I'll tell you why he flipped you the bird. When you pulled off and caught back up to him, he probably thought you were showing off. Letting him get away and then catching back up to him. That more than likely fired him up. No matter how wrecked I am coming home from a ride, I will NEVER sit on a wheel I'm not familiar with. Most dangerous thing you can do for the reasons you pointed out.
For sure, you are right. I really didn't want to piss him off, I just wanted to ride my pace by myself
i dont care. If he crashes i dont care either. Saying now ur responsible is absolute bs. This simply is not true. I think most people that do care are usually also more ego driven in their manners, rules and such. And strict in it and dissaproving of people who deviate from that. Supported by their accomplishments.... The first part of your text supports my theory. U could v just started at "I will NEVER"
But by humble bragging (it is despite u thinkin it isnt) ur status u think ur opinion has more weight thus everybody should behave like this. Well no...
I like it if someone pops up. Dont has to talk either. That comes on the way. Its playfull norhing more. I can still see the road. Im not bothered. How am i bothered or restricted? Im not. I think ur a bit of an elitist if ur bothered. And a bit of a twat.
I feel like a dick now lol. I'm a new rider and was taking advantage of the draft from a guy because I was near bonking from heavy headwind. Good to know!
Bro, is nice u share ur real experiences and apply it with different examples. U really care about the cycling community. 🤜🏻🤛🏻
It's my pleasure and thank you!!
I have hopped on a few wheels and it's a matter of common courtesy. "Do you mind if I sit on your wheel?" Or better yet, "would you mind if I work into your rotation?" That let's them know you're willing to do work if they don't mind you joining in.
That being said, for those who aren't aware, if two people are riding, the person out front benefits ever so slightly from having someone sit on their wheel as well. It's not nearly as much as the person behind them, but there is an aerodynamic benefit.
It happends to me a lot. A few years ago i would get frustrated that someone is on my wheel but now I just don’t care. I know that the people that are sitting on your wheel propably don’t realize that it can be frustrated for other people. Now I just think that I made someone’s ride a bit more enjoyable and that helps a lot with dealing with my frustrations.
I think you are right and I will just let it go in the future
Jonas. Totally agree. I have also changed and started talk to the guys and invite them so they feel comfortable. But Jon I understand you and the situation and if you not comfortable tell them.
Last year had a couple of great rides with new friends on my vacation in stelvio.
@@jonmaloneycycling7593 yeah but you can have some fun with it too, like very gradually increasing your power output (so it doesn't look show-offy, like a hard sprint would). If they were a strong enough rider they wouldn't be doing it in the first place. Works every time.
You are on the right side. I'm still new to cycling and not drafting a random person is one of the things I learnt first. Safe first
Well said!
When I discover another unknown cyclist drafting off me without announcing I just ignore them. Good video.
What a difference between the usa and belgium, I think it is very ego boosting when somebody gets in your wheel. It is as they say wow I can not ride that speed on my own but thanks to you I can experience this. If the speed difference is big enough novice riders will not be able to keep your wheel cus they can't ride close enough only the more experienced can. So the danger cancells itself out. Next to that why would they need to introduce themself, if you don't want them sitting on your wheel you can just say so. In Belgium it is the custom if you sit on somebodys wheel for a while or you pull turns you only thank each other when you go sepperate ways.
We also have a few hand gestures that are understandable for everybody which is if you are a little bit of a nice person the only thing you need to do when somebody is in your wheel.
I think it is incredibly frustrating what you did to that cyclist and I can understand his handgesture because he didn't understand why you did that. Ive read the other reactions and found it depressing that that is the way most usa cyclist think I think that is a fault in your cycling culture, there is nothing wrong with letting other benefit from your draft it helps you also when someone is in your draft your own aerodynamics improve with 5% seems like more of a ego thing in the USA.
Thx for your comment bro!!
You are 100% right! It infuriates me to pass someone and then the person latches on (and they never ask) etc . . . 👏👏👏👍
Thx
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Etiquette is important to know in any activity. I gain a lot from these topics and reading the comments. I think it's a weird invasion of space to suck right on an unfamiliar wheel without comment.
thank you for your comment!
I was passing a pedestrian on a gravel path in Boulder when some try-hard’s blew past me while I was passing with 0 warning. As I continued on, I was between the leaders and a straggler, who tried riding my wheel. I gave him a lol brake check and he yells “What’s your f’in problem man??” and continued on.
I recently, when faced with a headwind in the last bit of a 6 hour ride, got behind somebody without communicating. A very safe road and I've kept a bit of an "emergency breaking" distance. But it didn't sit right with me. You're right, the next time I'll talk. Personally I'm mostly not bothered if people get in my wheel, depending on how close they do it and the road situation.
Locking in to a power zone as opposed to cadense/speed also gives an interesting dynamic when you're doing the same route for a while as fellow cyclist. Bit like manoeuvring on a highway with cruise control.
I think every situation is unique and has to be treated as such
The little guys that run out in front of you are prairie dogs.
Thx bro, I will remember that
When people do that I just smash away 😂
LOL!!
Ask permission first.
Don't just think it's ok to do whatever you feel like.
For all the reasons you just mentioned.
Stay safe out there everyone
That small mammal's technical name is bubonica plagueas transmitticum
Nice
You should never hop on a random cyclist wheel. I feel that’s common sense
Good point!
agreed.. and I’m 100% novice, common sense
Unless u ask, give atleast 2m
Completely agree with you on this. I had a similar situation happen where I approached a couple who were riding together one day and they were clearly riding at a slower pace than I was. I called out ‘on your left’ and passed but the guy for some reason decided to jump on my wheel and left his wife behind! I looked back and saw him on my wheel but he didn’t say anything. I could tell he was struggling to hold my pace and I was similarly annoyed that he just jumped on without saying anything. So after a few minutes I decided to crank up the pace and drop him. After all, his wife was probably more annoyed than I was 😅
So, no it’s not ok to sit on without asking, I go out of my to practice proper etiquette but I think their can be difference of opinion or different perceptions of what is happening on the trail. I’ve also got the finger and not sure why. Just keep smiling and carry on.
LOL nice
Or educate them, if you can.
Nice to have a person along. Up to me to have the sitational awareness to know whats going on riding in the city or anywhere.was not a long time, he made his turn
I agree with you 100%. I don't even understand why the guy got mad at you. He had no right to be mad. What he did was just rude. I am a big guy at 6'3". So, people seem to love to jump on my wheel. I once passed a group of five and I look back and the one in front jumped on my wheel. So, I had a group of people I didn't know behind me. I was able to pick up the pace more and drop them after about a mile. I live in central N. Carolina, so the hills are a great way to lose someone too. I suck at climbing but the little hills we have, I can just punch over and have done that to get rid of someone. If someone asks or at least talks to me, I don't usually mind at all. Sometimes, I don't mind if they simply jump on. Just depends on what I'm doing and my mood.
thank you for sharing, appreciate it!
Nothing wrong done by you mate 🤙🤙 100% agree with you
NICE
Don't let it creep under your skin.
Don't change your riding.
I was once fed up with a guy that drafted on my wheel, overtook me, but kept riding totally opposite side of the road...! So I felt he did that so I wouldn't draft, after he drafted me, and given the time of day and we both had a backpack, he was riding to work as well and would have liked some draft as well in order to arrive fresh / early at work.
In any way, you are NOT responsible for someone sitting on your wheel. He choses to draft, so his choice to take the risks. Normally I'm very relaxed when people draft me, and I point out danger on the road, so they know that I don't mind them sitting in the wheel. This mostly leads to a thumbs up after we split ways... I also draft a lot of e-bikes that are (like me) doing the work-home routine. They usually don't mind and they go fast, so this helps me shorten the ride time after work. When I'm doing intervals, I usually tell them when they are on my wheel that I'm doing an interval and going to slow down in a minute. That really helps to avoid confusing / friction the moment I start soft-pedalling.
I've had guys sit on my wheel but I usually don't care, makes me feel strong 😉. In most cases they interact with me and will even pull so we work together. Other cases they'll just pull off and thank me later and it's no big deal. I think it was the guy's mistake not to at least acknowledge your interaction. I'll usually ask a guy, mind if I tag along? And I'll usually take a pull if I can. The fact that he got worked up enough to flip you off is on him although he probably thought you were toying with him.
Thanks for sharing this. Something i'll consider for future solo rides. I'm relatively new to the sport (3 years) and have only recently started drafting people. Have always wondered whether it's rude to draft a stranger or not. I've done this as it's been done to me so i just thought it was normal. But learn something new everyday. Appreciate it!
If you draft someone, the polite thing to do is to take your turn in front, too.
I was riding the MS150 one year, and was riding up a long, long hill with a head wind. I was hurting. I had cleared my mind to deal with the pain. After a couple of miles, I finally broke my pace and as I slowed down, another rider passed me and said thank you. I didn’t even know that he was behind me, and not once did he offer to pull. I was quite perturbed. Anyway, at least he said thank you. 😜
You're right! You should only let people draft you who you trust. What if he's one of those that don't pay attention when you have to stop quickly? You shout "STOPPING" and he just runs into the back of you!! Bad day for all!!
But a great story did make me chuckle. ;-)
LOL, thanks bro!
Stopping is bad, but I also don't want to clear my nose on them either!
You did great my friend. I’ll do the same thing. I don’t like when I go for a ride and people just come and seat on my wheel without tell me anything. At least they should ask if you don’t might they ride with you or something like that. Especially in this COVID situation. 👍🚴🚴
Thx bro!
Anywhere outside of the US drafting randoms is the norm, there is so many people on the bike paths that you will inevitably draft other cyclists. As long as it is an acceptable distance it is completely fine.
Nice
Happened to me every solo ride I did while living near Zurich Switzerland
Sorry to hear that
You did right, Jon. Ride on.
Thx bro!
When I get on someone’s wheel I always ask first if it is ok. If it is an obvious club ride, everyone has the same club jersey on I just let them go. If it is a weekend ride with a mixed group I usually ask and just stay on the back and try not to mix it up. I do offer to do some work and if the response is positive I’ll take a pull. In your case I would have slowed down, talked to the guy, where are you headed, where did you start, what’s your name that kind of stuff. Then either offer my wheel or explain that I’m doing my own thing and in a nice way say that I really don’t want anyone on my wheel while I’m doing my training. Or I have done this before and ask them if they would like to be a better rider and if they answer yes give a couple of hints that might help them to become better riders.
It's OK to sit on as long as you say hi and take pulls. If you don't want him on your wheel smash out 300 plus Watts.
LOL
Great topic Jon - I hear ya! I don't ever grab someone's wheel unless I know them very well and it's been agreed to by them that I do this. I normally catch my husband's wheel but sometimes he likes to stretch out and do some intervals so I'll ride solo for a bit. On a funny note - there have been some group rides where he has done this and then he will wait for me and I have been pulling a long string of older guys from the club!LOL no word from any of them - they just all gathered on behind me. I just figured hey! I'm a strong rider(I'm old too @ 58) and they must need me but it does make me a bit nervous for the reasons you mentioned.
Thanks for your comment
Thanks for the tip! Very insightful!
Glad it was helpful!
I ride in a fairly popular area for cyclists in my town around a lake. I've never jumped on the wheel of a single rider, and would never do that. But, I have jumped on the wheel of a group of 3 or more for a few minutes, but I usually keep my distance anyway, not drafting like I would in a fast paced group ride. I have had guys jump on my wheel a few times while riding solo, and it's always an older guy, like 60ish years old. Admittedly, when that happens I immediately go into a threshold+ effort in an attempt to drop them. If we are gonna be a group ride all of a sudden, I figure we should work! lol
thanks for sharing, appreciate it!
This happened to me recently. Was riding with a few of my buddies and we pass alittle bit of an older guy at a stop sign, he turns on and catches up to us and gets on my wheel..... I'm a nice guy, he's free to ride with us if he wants to.... We are rider 3 and 4 in the line... I'm having to drop my cadence or very briefly free-wheel every now and then to avoid hitting my brakes or having to half-wheel the guy in front of me....... Every now and then I look behind me to check if cars are approaching and/or if the guy is still on me..... I swear, over half the time, this guy I don't even know is half-wheeling me!! Luckily he turned off after about 4 miles and I didn't have to be the bad guy, but man he was starting to get to me.
Jon, Thank you for this video. I hope the people who keep trying to sit in my draft while I'm doing my TT performance test on the TT route on the Grand River Road near Ada, Michigan, see this. A few weeks ago, an entire group of four sat on my wheel for four miles, even after I asked them to get off three times. This week, I rounded a curve on this route to see a rider a half-mile ahead. I passed him within two minutes. Two minutes later, I turned to check traffic and saw this rider a bike length behind me. At TT speeds, even two meters behind can affect a performance. When I asked him to not draft, he began hassling me. When I asked him to either pass me (he couldn't), or back off, he began slinging insults.
BTW, I miss riding Mt. Lemmon! Happy trails!
I'm so sorry you had to experience that
But on the flip side unless you own the road, anyone can ride anywhere. Also it means you aren't strong enough to drop him
@@jeremyemilio9378 this
I've ridden that TT several times over many years (I'm local to it) Looking forward to 2025 to try it again.
I agree with you. It's a safety issue for me. If I either know them, or it's a stranger that introduces themselves, and I determine that they are around my abilities, I don't mind. But the first time I visited High Park I saw a massive crash from this stranger drafting off a rider. The stranger was clearly on his limits with his head down, and smashed into the rider that was doing steady riding. Fortunately I have not encountered people like the guy you describe. :)
Great point
I agree with you 100% he’s a free loader. I mean if he was going fast enough to catch you he should have overtaken you. When it happens to me I slow right down and wave them past.
Like I said, he talked me or even said Hi, I would have let him sit back there
@@jonmaloneycycling7593 kudos for not biting when he gave you the finger though 🤣
I’ve drafted back and forth with people quite a lot without speaking.
I’m of the opinion that if you can barely eek by me and I kinda stick to you, you’re fine with it esp if you start pointing stuff out. In that case, I don’t get full draft bc I’m prob 5 ft off. But I’ll also pass back and share the load. Usually we when someone peels off, someone will yell good ride.
If you blow by me quick or don’t give signals, I get that you’re not into it.
If someone hangs on my wheel and I don’t like it, I’ll drop them on a short climb and they can’t catch up.
You did nothing wrong.
You were not in the wrong. It’s a weird situation. The guy should should’ve talked to you up front. Also, it is a tough situation to draft off of someone you don’t know, or even have a stranger draft on your wheel - many safety issues. When I come across this situation - if I get a weird vibe I just ride them off my wheel.
Next time this is what i am doing
That's a good idea, except when you're pacing a TT.
I should probably live a place where cyclists are more relaxed...
Most of the time, when I overtake an other cyclist or an other cyclist overtakes me, the speed is REALLY different and there's no point in sitting on other's wheel.
But once in a while, it happens that we're almost at the same speed. When I overtake, I don't sprint and I always intentionally let the other sit on my wheel if wanted. I don't care, it doesn't cost me anything. And I'm offering an easier ride to someone. On my country, EVERY cyclist should stretch out an arm to indicate any change in directions anyway (like a car turn signal), whether or not there's someone sitting on your wheel. And wildlife is not that present, you have more chance being hit by a car of an old man (that "didn't saw you" in the crossroad) that seing a squirrel crossing the road... I just appreciate a "thanks" before leaving. It's the minimum when someone helped you freely. It even happened once that naturally an alternating shift took place without even speaking. :)
But if you're behind, don't take your ride as granted. Don't forget you're getting freely helped by someone you don't even talked to. Don't expect the one in front to stay at this speed, don't stay "head on the wheel" (head on your computer), keep looking at the road and its dangers as if you were alone! Don't rely on the other's indication. It doesn't owe you anything, it doesn't know you after all. And if it's looking like this cyclist want to drop you off, don't fight against it... Or you're just getting weird. (except if it's clearly a challenge)
P.S. : Since COVID, things changed a bit. It's not a good idea to stay close to strangers while breathing heavily...
Good points
I feel like I learned something today.
Thank you. Sometimes I do hop on someones back wheel. I guess I should ask but when someone blows by you its hard to ask? I just get on their wheel because I can and if they want to get rid of me its not that hard. Now I feel like a dick
Nah, just talk to him next time
This same thing happened to me on the loop in Tucson.
Sorry to hear that bud
You were in the right morally. Dude was just pissed he couldn't antisocial stalk your wheel! '& bird flip was just a low blow
Funny. Because i was riding on a bicycle road this morning. 2 guys in front of me waiting about a 100 meters in front of me. They saw me comming and right before i was about to pass them they got on their bikes. So i sticked to their wheeles. And i mean, like 3 meters up close. I have a bel (ring) on my steeringwheel but decided not to use it. Road behind them for 2 km. And then took a right. Gone. Trying to think positive, i assume the saw my speed and probally thought that they would be faster then me, also they didnt seem to mind i was riding up close.
I didnt do it to irritate them. It was a Nice speed and knowing i had to take a right at Some point. I just sticked with them for a while. But normally i dont do this. I prefer riding solo
Good point!
Yo bro. You're right. For me it all starts with the "introduction". It the guy comes to you without even saying hello things start really bad. Maybe he showed you his middle finger because he felt you disisrepcted him (in that case he must be new to cyclisme maybe) but the fault is his IMO because he didn't even speak to you. Too bad for him 😀
Most of the time I don't care, it was just that day I was in a rotten mood
@@jonmaloneycycling7593 that happens to all of us! 👍
If I ever do that, I'll ask. And if I do, it's someone who's traveling at a speed I can sustain. I think the act of asking lets the other rider know you've done this before so they don't get anxious. I've grabbed a stranger's wheel maybe 10 times over the last couple years, and no one ever said no. I'll hang in for a mile or two and if they haven't turned off, I'll offer a pull. If their upper body is rocking back and forth, they're usually happy to receive it. :)
Exactly
Just watched 2 of your videos! Really good stuff! Thanks for doing. Subscribed too!
You should wear a bumper sticker on your jersey that says Get Off My Wheel!
LOL
As a new road cyclist, I see oher cyclist with nicer bikes and tend to draft them to try and learn from their riding and compare myself to them if they ever have a problem or don't want me there for any reason I back off and follow from a distance (assuming they're going the same route)
It's always the guys that can't keep up unless they're drafting behind you that are the cranky prima donnas. Had a guy sitting on my rear wheel for over 20 miles in a 112 mile race. Never took the lead. Rode the whole race drafting behind people.After the race he walks up to me and starts talking like he's some kind of phenomenon. I pretended he wasn't there, ignored him. He realizes i am icing him and starts badmouthing me. At that point i turned my head and stared straight into his eyes. An unspoken calling him out. He sputtered but I never looked away but never touched me.
I am on a mountain bike and draft any road bike I see if I can hold it. If I am on my roadbike however, I trade pulls if I can
Nice!
I've had this happen to me a few times. Had a cat 6 tri guy almost crash bc I hit my brakes. I've also had a guy literally try to race me while I was doing zone 2 on a bike path lmao. Its so annoying and bad etiquette
agreed. thanks for sharing
Another fine video. Thanks. This guys sounds like a jerk. You are right. Someone ridding on your wheel especially that you do not know should at least introduce himself. My god what have we come to. On Bike Souplease, how do I make sure you get the $5 credit? Also they do not make signing up very easy for a subscription very easy.
Thx bro, I am not sure about the 5$, I will find out
Sounds like he s mad you let him go to catch up to him again… some see that as a slight . “ you’re so slow i stopped and caught you again” type thing. So he did something hes not supposed to do and thats get on your wheel, thats just rude etiquette.
I can see it from his point of view. But the middle finger took it to a new level
@@jonmaloneycycling7593 he was a dick about his whole demeanor, no doubt. his dick ish behavior only fired up when you tried to avoid him
If you are not aware of another rider being behind you, you will not ride the same way, as if you were aware of him. You will perhaps brake, when you have passed the right crossroad. This is really dangerous. So if there is someone, who is not in the same group, he must stay at least some meters behind, as if he were some other road user. And he can only join your group by talking to you.
Epic, sounds like the remake of the 70s movie "Dual" an early film by Steven Spielberg .... Try the; what, where, when, why, how type of question.
I personally would never sit on a wheel unannounced. But I don't mind if someone sits on my wheel as long as I know they are there. Kind of in the same way you described, someone asking if it is okay. But no way should that guy have an expectation that it's okay to sit on your wheel and then shoot the bird because you don't want him on your wheel. Like you said, there is a responsibility to being the front rider. And at that time you might be focused on something else and not really have time to point everything out to the rider behind. Now it is a possibility, as pointed out by another person, that maybe the guy just thought you were showing him up. But if he came to that conclusion without chatting with you to get the facts, then the issue is with him.
I was talking to a pro rider today about it and he said he would never even ride with someone didn't know, let alone let someone draft him. If the guy crashes him then he cant work
@@jonmaloneycycling7593 If I was pro I might have a different perspective. Because now this affects my livelihood. Since I don't race, I am usually not focused on training but rather just enjoying the ride. I can really see both sides. That's why I would never just sit on someone's wheel for any length of time without at least pulling up beside them and letting them know I was there and then see if it was okay to sit on. But if I can ride someone's wheel, I should be willing to pull a few turns in front just to make it even.
Should have just 'rudely' passed him with a sprint. That's what I would do. You are under no obligation to give him a draft.
true
Everyone getting drafted. That's why I'm known as the "Draft King". The End.
Great video. Really entertaining and informative. I'm training for the Triple Bypass in August 2022. I have never really ridden with a group. I know little about drafting. Reading about the TB, I've seen several times that forming groups on the flatter sections can be very beneficial. What is the etiquette on forming groups and taking turns on the front ect.
thank you!! all the best
Thanks Jon Great channel subbing
thank you!!!
If they can keep up. But if not i take breaks behind bigger people for a few minutes. Nothing breathing on theirnneck type is hi
DON'T just pull in and draft someone without saying hello and asking if they want to ride together. It's like having a stalker sneak up behind you. It's creepy AF. I either just drop them or if they're strong just pull over and let them go - probably giving them a filthy look as they pass.
I’m sorry that happened to you. The guy obviously has issues. You did nothing wrong
LOL thx bro!
For me personally I don’t care if they draft me for however long they want, but if I was in a pro race then it’s different. Now has far as direction of path I just tell them before I turn on a road I’m going right or left so they know which way I’m turning then they can decide if they want to follow or not. Ether way I don’t care I just do my thing,! Now if I pull up to a rider I let them know I’m on your left and I just cruise passed them and continue on, I usually ride alone so it’s not an issue.
I think it's okay to take a solo stranger's wheel for do 3 to 5 minutes!
2-3 rider's 5-10 mins...
4 or more 15 mins...
But after that you should try to communicate with the rider to make sure it's okay!
I would say that he was in the wrong, especially drafting as closely as you described. Speaking for myself, I would not draft someone who I don't know or have at least talked with for a while to get some idea of their level of experience. Lack of drafting experience could be very dangerous for both riders or in a larger group, all the riders involved. I've had riders come up on me and start drafting me without a word...so I just burn them. Also, I'm an "older" rider and most riders I come across can't keep my pace. I'm just sayin'...
Thx bro!
I agree with you. That gut was extremely rude, and you had every right to be upset at him.
Thx bro
Now I learned something. Where I live everyone (strangers) get on each other wheels. Not really racing, however it's seems no everyone is looking for a free ride. How do you prevent someone from getting on?
You can accelerate, turn, pull over, depends on the situation and what works best
Eat asparagus, cabbage and beans the night before your ride.
Ritchie Porte won’t put up with that.
LOL
Love the channel, sorry to hear about the bikes being stolen, any luck getting them back? Also liked the video on the hammerhead K2, I got mine a couple of weeks ago and love it. As far as the wheel sucker goes, if I come up on another cyclist going the same direction, I speak to them, if they want to talk we can talk but never ride on without talking to them first you never know if they are training or just of for a ride, so ask first. As far as the finger maybe his is missing a finger and it was a peace sign. Good Luck to you on your training.
I just posted a update video on the stolen bikes ua-cam.com/video/JliDCAKF4sc/v-deo.html
The world of cycling due to COVID has experienced exponential growth, as you know it is impossible to get a bicycle with immediate delivery or even components.
I think a lot of people think they are cyclists because they have a USD7000 + bike and clothes from Italian brands. Cycling is a much more complex culture, especially road cycling and group riding. Hopefully that rider will learn to coexist on the road like a true cyclist and teach newcomers to put safety first.
This is really good point and i think in the future I will be more accepting. It was really that on that day I was in a bad mood and wanted to be on my own doing my own thing
The little furry things are gophers!
Prairie dogs actually. =)
Thx!
One someone drafts you, you will also get a watt advantage, between 3 and 7%. Not the 30% they get agreed.
Agree 100%
Thx
Same thing happened to me man. A guy on my wheel overlapping and it scares me because I only ride solo and I've never ridden in a group and I don't want this guy to crash me because he overlapped my wheel and I don't want to crash him either. If I knew they were gonna give me the finger after, does a brake check work on bikes? 🤣
It was the middle finger that really threw me off too
If his front wheel touches your back, it's likely he'll go down and you'll ride on.
Any chance for a more in depth etiquette video?
great idea, I will do one for sure
You were in the right. It’s common courtesy to say hi and ask if it’s ok to draft you. It’s also your right to decline that. That dude was in the wrong and had horrible attitude when he was in the wrong.
Thx bro, I agree
I don't mind you are my wheel, just give me a heads up and share the work. You did nothing wrong. Great vids.
Thx bro!
Unless I'm doing a TT performance test.
Shiet, I would but not like an inch away
if dude liked your physique in your Lycra Kit, I think best just let him ride and adore you.
To think that random strangers have any right to draft someone (without asking) is crazy.
I don’t even like to do it to strangers. They smell.
LOL
Have a self centered rider deciding to make a group ride is a non starter.
LOL good one
I get that a lot... i dont mind if someone says they are doing it, do i mind etc... no problem. If someone just does it in my opinion im not responsible for them... its their decision... they should know better..... what do you think?
I agree, it was more that day I was in a bad mood and wanted to be on my own
@@jonmaloneycycling7593 i want to be on my own pretty mych all the time.... not sure what that says about me 🤣
The answer is 'no'. I ride alone specifically to be alone, and not to provide domestique service to some douche who thinks he's reliving his glory days in the peloton. I don't owe some hanger-on the courtesy of maintaining HIS pace. I want to stop when I want (and it's safe), slow when I want, swerve when I want, etc. The hanger-on is making it dangerous for me to ride my ride.
Unreal, gotta love the dirty T! I would have turned around and caught up to him to get the story, he could have been bonked or wanting to show he could stay on your wheel.. either way he should of asked for a free lift, could have been a hazard to you if he was on his clip on aero bars 🤢
Next time i am doing that
There is NO trail etiquette anymore! When I ride with my wife we ride rail trails here in PA. People have ear buds in, no one says on your left anymore. I've been put in more hairy situations because people are clueless or don't care. There are to many cyclist now a days who are clueless.
This is very true
As a cyclist and a runner TBH I would prefer that cyclists don’t say “on your left” because it’s usually too late and can surprise people. I refer a light bell ring and a slow down to pass slowly so people have enough time to hug the side of the path.
I have been riding a road bike for about 2 years now and frequently participate in local group rides. I can sometimes but not always tell when someone is stable and steady in the saddle and is okay to hold their wheel and then there the folks that sit up and stretch or get out of the saddle and send that rear wheel back like a wrecking ball! Long story short.. I have to ride with someone a few times before I'm comfy holding their wheel. Your guy has obviously never experienced a close call.. or maybe doesn't care..?
Hard for that to not be a wall of text..😇 ... 💎🦵
LOL!
Guy was definitely a jerk. (Hopefully I’m not…) How long/close is too long/close? If someone grabs on for 5 seconds is that ok? 60 seconds? What if they’re back 1+ bike lengths? On a steep hill where it’s more motivation than draft? Inside a park with wide lanes and marked bike lanes?
I understand the risks you highlight and I don’t really want someone I don’t know near me on busy streets or narrow paths. But I also like the camaraderie of cycling and working together even if it’s just for a brief section. Can you wait to ask permission or is there a zero tolerance and you should never draft for any amount of time at any distance in any environment without first pulling up beside them and asking?
I’m not saying that’s unreasonable but I don’t like it. I’d like to think that we’re all working together and if I can help you or you can help me, and the circumstances warrant, then great.
Yes, I think the circumstances are different for every situation, what I would do is just say hi to the person and say “ Do you mind if I sit on for a little bit, I am turning at the next street” etc. As long as you communicate with the other ride, you are good. Its more just sitting on and not saying anything about it that’s weird IMO
You are not responsible for anyone behind you if you don't know they are there. If you can't drop him then he has every right to be wherever he wants on the road.
No no no, you should pull and he get his PB), just joking. I would say chill you can’t change the world, its always will be external things which will get you angry or thinking about it.
This is so true and a great point
I was angry because the leech was riding a much nicer bike! :)
No. No. No... Not okay... Unless you ask...
i agree
Yeah, I don’t like that. It is just a courtesy if you drafting someone. I’ve had my share of people who get on my wheel and don’t say anything. I don’t know they realize the danger they are putting themselves and me in.
I’m 66 and I haven’t rode with a group but it sounds like I can learn a lot if I do! The guy is way off base! Age has nothing to do with him being inconsiderate of others space!
agreed
Can’t communicate enough. Should ride a wheel unless you know the other dude or have talked with them. Always tempting to take a wheel and save the energy….but you’re too close for safety reasons to not have chatted up.