Drafting Etiquite

[Cyclist33]

I'm so slow I don't often get the opportunity, but its not to say I can't go quicker. What does annoy me is when people blatantly scalp me (as opposed to just amicably passing me with an "orwight") - I have been known then to catch them and sit on their arse for a bit just to annoy them, and occasionally to go past. It's most satisfying when they're on carbon with drop bars.

But like I said, it's rare! Makes it all the sweeter tho.

 

[on the road]

I'm so slow I don't often get the opportunity, but its not to say I can't go quicker. What does annoy me is when people blatantly scalp me (as opposed to just amicably passing me with an "orwight") - I have been known then to catch them and sit on their arse for a bit just to annoy them, and occasionally to go past. It's most satisfying when they're on carbon with drop bars.

But like I said, it's rare! Makes it all the sweeter tho.

Just because someone goes past you and doesn't say anything doesn't mean they're grumpy or anything, there can be many genuine reasons why they don't say anything, don't be so quick to judge.

 

[AndyRM]

Just because someone goes past you and doesn't say anything doesn't mean they're grumpy or anything, there can be many genuine reasons why they don't say anything, don't be so quick to judge.

I was always taught not to talk to strangers.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

If I'm on a leisure ride I'll call out a cheery 'mind if I join you?', if I'm on the commute I'll stay about three metres behind, which I think sometimes creeps people out, which is not my intention so I try and smile each time they look round, which now I come to think of it might look a bit creepy...

 

[John the Monkey]

Just because someone goes past you and doesn't say anything doesn't mean they're grumpy or anything, there can be many genuine reasons why they don't say anything, don't be so quick to judge.

I don't let on as I pass, because sometimes the other rider hasn't seen you coming, and it evidently makes them jump! As for drafting, I don't, and I don't like it when people decide to latch on to me. If they're really that anxious for a tow from a fat bloke on a tourer, they need to stop trying to save themselves work, after all.

 

[potsy]

If anyone is going my way at 4.30 today I would'nt say no to a draft

 

[Bilbosdad]

Unless I know the other rider, I stay well away, more because I dislike people in my personal space so I apply the same courtesy.

 

[AndyPeace]

what if they overtake you but then pull in, right in front of you, surley thats an invite to draft? Just asking as thats happened a few times, didn't see any other cyclists travelling faster than me today, but thats proberly more to do with the time of day rather than my excellent fitness

 

[Sittingduck]

Perhaps they thought you looked like you were struggling and decided to give you a tow? Either that or they slowed, slightly after the effort to pass and at the same time you subconsciously sped up a bit...?

 

[snorri]

If I'm on a leisure ride I'll call out a cheery 'mind if I join you?', if I'm on the commute I'll stay about three metres behind, which I think sometimes creeps people out, which is not my intention so I try and smile each time they look round, which now I come to think of it might look a bit creepy...

You say "it MIGHT look a bit creepy?"

Having looked at your avatar after reading your post, I'm mightily relieved to see you are based in Suffolk, a long long way from me.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

You say "it MIGHT look a bit creepy?"

Having looked at your avatar after reading your post, I'm mightily relieved to see you are based in Suffolk, a long long way from me.

I'm quite charming when you get to know me... well...

 

[HLaB]

Is it bad form to overtake them.

I'd avoid drafting on the commute but I'd say its bad etiquette not too, its only polite that you do some share of the work.

 

[Ozzrahog]

OTH If someone "scalps" you and then doesn't have the grunt to get a reasonable distance ahead, then my attitude is f**k 'em, hang off their back wheel for all you're worth. You then have the option of taking them back when they've "blown".

spot on

 

[Bilbosdad]

I think there needs to be an offer or a request - simple politeness really.

 

[Part time cyclist]

I never draft, if I see a cyclist up ahead I feel this weird urge to catch and overtake them and keep on cycling hard until I have dropped them way back before easing off ( sad really aren't I)