Pacing In Other Riders

[Mapster1989]

How many people see other riders that are struggling and help pace them in?

I mean I'm no super-duper cyclist by any stretch of imagination, actually I'm very far from it but on my ride today on two occasions I caught up with cyclists which seemed to be struggling in the stiff breeze and attempted to help pace them back in by allowing them to use my draft and just my company in general.

Does anyone else do this or do you do what most cyclists do and just blast past a struggler like they weren't there?

Just curious to find out that's all.

 

[ianrauk]

Have sometimes helped a straggler. Especially up a part of my commute called Bromley Hill. But it usually ends with me pulling away again.

 

[Mapster1989]

Have sometimes helped a straggler. Especially up a part of my commute called Bromley Hill. But it usually ends with me pulling away again.

Yeah that's what happened today when I got onto the flat but I hope he appreciated me helping him up the climb.

 

[Arsen Gere]

I do it if I see someone struggling. I don't mind people sitting in.

What does nark me is if I pass someone, say hi and they pass me 2 seconds later like they don't want to be passed by some old bloke and belt up the road. (I've never been dropped and I am happy to let them slave away ).

 

[tadpole]

How many people see other riders that are struggling and help pace them in?

I mean I'm no super-duper cyclist by any stretch of imagination, actually I'm very far from it but on my ride today on two occasions I caught up with cyclists which seemed to be struggling in the stiff breeze and attempted to help pace them back in by allowing them to use my draft and just my company in general.

Does anyone else do this or do you do what most cyclists do and just blast past a struggler like they weren't there?

Just curious to find out that's all.

I guess it depends on hoe fast they are going, if they are pootling along at 7of 8 mph, I'll blast past them, but if they are doing what I feel is a good speed for me, then I'll drop in front of them and let them draft for as long as they like, but If I feel they are just taking the pi55, and are letting me do all the work so they can blast past me on the next down hill slope or blast past and turn off, then I'll leave them to their own devices.

 

[GetAGrip]

Could've done with compassionate souls like you guys yesterday. I was determined to venture out, just for the discipline factor really, but the last five miles home into the wind was pure torturer. I'm never fast (by your standards anyway) but I normally enjoy whatever comes my way. Not sure why yesterday was such poo .

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I've done it numerous times unknowingly,but there's a local regular who likes to wheelsuck your effort for miles and never takes a turn. I ride with a small group of family/friends/friends of friends so the inherent trust is there that none of us will do anything daft. Can never be too sure with an unknown!

We did however(myself +1) guide a lovely female back along the coast during a sportive last year. She was pretty new to cycling nevermind 60miles. The headlands along the A2 more often that not create headwinds in both directions so we basically echelon'd her for most of the simple out and back route. The massive hug (we didn't even get her name) at the finish was as good as a thanks.

 

[Hacienda71]

I once passed a rather attractive young lady on a very windy day, who as I passed her said, "give us a tow mate" I laughed and left her for dead. Wouldn't want to be seen to be offering any special favours just because she was female.

 

[Rob3rt]

Pace them into what?

 

[Mapster1989]

Pace them into what?

Into their ride. You know, giving them a helping hand along the way.

 

[cervelo chic]

On several occasions I've passed individuals/ groups who then put effort into catching me up and sit on my rear wheel until they decide to peel off.

Am I right to get annoyed when others wont take their turn?

 

[Herzog]

On several occasions I've passed individuals/ groups who then put effort into catching me up and sit on my rear wheel until they decide to peel off.

Am I right to get annoyed when others wont take their turn?

Not really, it's not racing after all.

 

[cervelo chic]

maybe not but its no fun when people are being lazy

 

[Garz]

Does anyone else do this or do you do what most cyclists do and just blast past a struggler like they weren't there?

I tend to do this as the people I overtake dont seem to be struggling. I agree with AG that rarely someone will have a go and try overtake which makes it interesting, but I dont intentionally burn people off as I say hello or nod as I pass. I have also found not to say hello too loudly as this can s**t you up when you are not expecting it!

 

[cyberknight]

I regularly help pace club members up hills or back to the pack if the have a flat, so rarely do i see anyone on my commute that i the odd occasion that i see someone they can have my wheel anytime but most would not be able to keep on it .
Not being elitist and there are surely plenty around that can drop me any day of the week, its just they are not about at 6 am .