Drafting vs the open road

[Justinslow]

Both, mostly solo, some chain club rides, one 3 up TT and associated training rides (three riders drafting each other in turn spending around 10 seconds at the front each time). That 3 up TT was I reckon the hardest 23 miles I've ever ridden, didn't see any of the course, just absolute effort and concentration trying to match my team mates and keep us together.
Chain rides/drafting completely different kettle of fish to riding solo and amazing how much less effort required when closely following a chain. I would say it's not the riding at the front that's hard, it's the riding when you're going from the front to the back you have to concentrate so hard to avoid losing the group - you have to ride to other people's ability, really taking you out of your comfort zone. It's also pretty dangerous closely following someone's back wheel and you need to be ready on the brakes! Good communication and road craft essential.
Ok and quite a buzz if you're in the mood, utterly poo if you're not.

 

[EasyPeez]

If I could only choose one it would be the open road. Fresh air, getting out in nature, exploring new areas and finding new pubs are some of the main reasons I enjoy cycling.
There again, chain-ganging has a definite impact in terms of allowing you to go quicker for less effort, beating the wind etc on our club rides, at speeds between 15-25mph over 35-100 miles. When done well with a group who know and trust each other it can be a real buzz and definately adds another element to cycling that I would miss. When badly organised it's a pain in the a*se at best, and dangerous at worst.

 

[youngoldbloke]

^^ exactly! If everyone knows what they are doing close group riding 'through and off' can be magic, if they don't it can be a nightmare.

 

[tyred]

I just see no point in rushing around like an eejit.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I just see no point in rushing around like an eejit.

Does there have to be a point to everything?

I probably would rush around like an eejit, if I was capable of it. Instead I just pretend that trundling around like an eejit is actually better.

 

[tommaguzzi]

I don't ever go out in a chain gang but over the years I found there is definitely a benefit drafting at anything over 15mph and at almost any speed into a headwind but you have to get within a foot of the next blokes rear wheel and make yourself as small as possible.
(I'm only short so that's easy). When I get passed by a group of fast lads on the flat, as I am still quick enough i will as often as not sprint up to them before they gap me and take a free ride until I get dropped on the next climb. Much nicer and slightly warmer than hanging out in the wind on the boring flat bits.