Learning How to Draft

I ride by myself a lot. That’s how I started and how I usually ride. So, it’s been an important lesson to learn about the advantages of drafting. Luckily my colleagues at Bike It! Bellagio have been generous in the lessons that they have taught me over the last few years.

First, let’s start with the benefits. Most people know this, but I didn’t. You use a ton less energy when you are riding behind someone else. They set the pace for you and also break through the air. It turns out, that when you’re riding behind someone you save as much as 20% of your energy because you don’t have to break the wind 💨 (yes I’m chuckling as I write that). The closer you ride to their tire, the more advantage you get.

As I’ve spent most of my time riding alone, I’m used to seeing the road ahead of me and making decisions based on all I can see. Much like being a coxswain of a rowing 8, steering behind someone means that you have a huge blind spot in front of you and you have to trust the person leading and stick with them. It’s to your advantage, right? Easier said than done, but worth it for sure.

I’ve been taught this lesson in different ways by my various colleagues.

• Imad was a pro rider for several years and will use his finger to urge me to stay closer… a quiet and subtle encouragement.

• Meanwhile, Luca will remind me, “You should be so close behind me that you can smell my farts.”

• Coach B gets PISSED at me when I either fall too far behind and have to put in a big effort to catch up, or when I scoot ahead on a small hill rise where i have the advantage. “Why are you fucking around? You can be faster if you just stay in line.”

I love all of the different ways that my FAST friends are teaching me the power of the draft. I still struggle to trust that I’ll be responsive enough when I’m so close behind, but I’m working on it. And I feel the benefits BIG TIME when i tuck right in and hang on for the ride.

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