A Message to Cycling's Fashion Police, and Can I Draft a Stranger? ASK A (RETIRED) PRO

Get 10% off your first month of therapy with sponsor BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/PhilGaimon
Want to support me and my show? Sponsors take care of that, so please consider a donation instead:
act.sierraclub.org/donate/rc_connect__campaign_designform?id=7013q000002NxclAAC
Contribute to my No Kid Hungry Campaign
p2p.onecause.com/chefscycle24/phil-gaimon
My Recovery Product: www.icelegs.com
Order Cookie Merch and Phil's Books: www.philsfondo.com/shop
Podcast:
iTunes podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-phil-gaimon-show/id1692030939
Spotify open.spotify.com/show/7vycENBirLesG1URcGAOM2
Follow Me!
philgaimon
philgaimon
philgaimon/
www.strava.com/pros/6188
My website: www.philgaimon.com
Ride with me at Phil's Fondo and Cookie Camp in Malibu: www.philsfondo.com/
Or my Gravel Event April 28 in Lone Pine www.whiskeytangofondo.com
Brought to you by invisiFRAME! www.invisiframe.co.uk/ @invisiframe @xpel www.xpel.com/
Bikes by Factor @factorbikes factorbikes.com/
Clothing, Gloves, Socks by Starlight/Black Bibs @starlightapparel @theblackbibs
www.starlightapparel.com/ www.theblackbibs.com/
Sundays Bicycle Insurance @sundaysinsurance_usa www.sundays.insure/partner/phil-gaimon
Components by Shimano @rideshimano bike.shimano.com/
VIAIR Air compressors: www.viaircorp.com/tlc-bike-series
Computer/Heart Rate/Kickr/Pedals by Wahoo @wahoofitnessofficial www.wahoofitness.com/
In Case of Emergency call Bike Legal @bike_legal bikelegalfirm.com/
12 Speed Bar End Garage Door Opener @12speed 12speed.com/
Crotch happy thanks to Chamois Buttr @chamoisbuttr www.chamoisbuttr.com/ (PHIL25 for a discount)
Training plans/Optimize App from Fascat Coaching @fascatcoaching 25% off Optimize App with PHILSENTME
fascatcoaching.com/pages/app
Automatic Discount for Whoop: join.whoop.com/philsentme
Bike Bags (for travel and on-bike) by Orucase @orucase www.orucase.com
Hydration/Supplements by First Endurance @firstendurance firstendurance.com/
Bike racks by Kuat www.kuat.com/ @kuatracks
Stages Power Meter: stagescycling.com/ @stagescycling
Mobile Bike Shop @velofixlosangeles www.velofix.com/locations/greater-los-angeles/
Glasses by goodr @bikegoodr goodr.com/collections/biking
Endurance lotion for watts from Lactigo @lactigo www.lactigo.com/pages/phil-gaimon (PHILSENTME for a discount)
Bike would be stolen if not for Ottolock @ottodesignworks ottodesignworks.com/ (PHILSENTME for a discount)
Silca Chain Lube/Sealant @silca_velo silca.cc/ (PHILSENTME for 10% off)
Kenda Tires @kendatire www.kendatire.com/ (PHILSENTME for 30% off)
Lazer Helmets @lazersport (PHILSENTME for 15% off) lazersport.us/PHILSENTME

[@brentperez4700]

I noticed the plug for your book. I thought I would shamelessly pile on. Phil is an excellent story teller. I would highly recommend any of your books, but really enjoyed Draft Animals the most.

[@chrisallen2519]

Ditto.. we love his books.

[@dylanl8310]

🎉saying all the things in our heads! Who cares what you wear, how you wear it, or what bike you are riding. So long as you are safe and enjoying yourself you are doing it right. More people enjoying bikes!

[@mikesimms1]

Totally agree on the etiquette of drafting strangers. If someone asks, I'll almost certainly say yes. I've also had the negative experience of someone jumping on my wheel while I was doing intervals. Almost had a crash when I came out of the hard effort because I didn't think anyone was there.

[@Norm0770]

I'm a big guy who rides pretty quickly and it is very common for people to stick on my wheel when i pass them. I usually put it down to the other person is putting in the same effort, but going a bit quicker, so it usually doesn't bother me. When it does happen that I get passed, I usually let the person go, but occasionally when our pace is similar and I do stick with them I always let them know I'm there and thank them for the pull. I've actually met a few people I ride with this way. So whether you're passing or being passed say "Hi", you might just make a friend!

[@vanhollebekebenefitauction704]

I don't mind if somebody drafts me, with my only exception being battery powered cyclists. The battery powered cyclist has generally slower reflexes, and thus more dangerous, when riding 16 inches off my back wheel.

[@CartarioTheFarmer]

The Jelly Belly kit rocks. Your new kit transports me to the late 80s/early 90s - the era of brightly colored downhill ski-wear. 👍🏻.

[@robertwhyte3435]

100% on the drafting thing. Particularly, DON'T CREEP!

[@buckeyecyclist]

I rode TOSRV back in 2010 and a random guy decided to latch on my rear wheel without letting me know. I slowed down and waved this guy to go on so that I could reconnect with a few others in my group. The guy ignores me, ends up hitting my rear derailleur and rides off. Almost ruined my entire weekend.

[@robertwhyte3435]

@@buckeyecyclist The guy that passed me was no problem, the only thing he hit was my self inflated ego. 😀

[@chelsealynn9866]

THANK YOU for the comment about female-presenting riders. I’ve been creeped out a few times by guys I’ve passed deciding either being passed by a girl was unacceptable and must be remedied or “hey, it’s cool you’re strong; I’m gonna hang over your shoulder and mouth breathe down your neck for a while.” 🤢

[@stacywall-db7qb]

Female presenting??????

[@karelvandervelden8819]

@@stacywall-db7qb That could be anyBody these days.

[@NotGoingToReadYourReply]

@@stacywall-db7qb It's okay to use google if you don't what words mean. It will help you avoid looking like an ignoramus.

[@richg7163]

Yes, best get anyone's gender pronouns before sitting on their wheel 😂

[@arichison]

I loved your book, it made me aware of your background. I am the same age as Greg Lemond, my hero, I just never made it into the pros I went into swimming and worked just as hard to not get near making the Olympics. Great , real advice, love the your channel!

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

Wishing you much deserved success with your scheme this year.

[@JimEatsPlants]

I was commuting home one day and a small kid asked to race me (I think he was around 8-10), of course he won.

[@jojoadeyemi8239]

I see strangers drafting each other all the time in NYC. Never seems like a problem.

[@hoogabooga9736]

that's cuz it's NYC and their's people everywhere on top of each other...you'd never notice :-)

[@peatyxxjxxx1494]

That’s because NYC people are nicer than Californians.

[@DanFraser1984]

Usually if i'm drafting a stranger they'll look back. I've always said "I'm drafting ya. You're pace is great." Typically i've found if you're polite people won't mind.... then again i'm living in Canada. People are nice...ish.

[@mtbrichard]

I've never had a problem with someone jumping on my wheel. I'll probably give them hand signals for potholes etc, but I'm not going to worry about it if I forget. I can see the skill level concern, but I haven't actually experienced it as a problem.

[@h20s8804]

Phil so glad you addressed the dude on a woman’s wheel. This happens to my 5’3 wife all the time on her rides. She passed them on hill, they huff and puff to hang on. Passes them on flats, suddenly it’s a race…. So bad…. Don’t do this.

[@donwinston]

Oh please. Don't be so limp.

[@h20s8804]

Are you the Dbag who chases down my wife on her solo rides? If so, don't be so limp @@donwinston lol.

[@jwfriar]

Earlier in my riding days, this happened a few times. I was just faster in flats and some women faster on the hills. I didn’t change my ride, it just happened. They had no issue passing me back, saying hi. It doesn’t have to be weird, unless you make it weird.

[@h20s8804]

Exactly!@@jwfriar

[@donwinston]

@@jwfriar It is weird when grandma types drop you like a stone on a climb with their electric bikes.

[@rodcosta2345]

Love the new format!

[@roadkill_toronto]

Ride em off it or don’t complain about it is what I was taught. 💩

[@Driver8takeabreak]

The way I view it as both a cyclist and runner: would you think it's okay to run right next to or behind someone who just ran by you? NO, that would be super weird. At worst if you're a stranger and jump on my wheel, just say "Hey" or at least ask.

[@MikeyAntonakakis]

I know I'm super late, but the number of times my wife has passed guys while out running, usually while she's doing an easy pace, only to have them speed up and "race" her without saying anything, is uncountable. So, yeah, super weird, pretty cringey, but unfortunately, very common.

[@96golfcl]

Great video Phil. I like this style

[@DaneKromer]

Thanks Phil! I appreciate your honesty and willingness to say it like it is. Haters gotta hate! Love the channel!

[@johnnycab8986]

drafting someone for 40 miles without saying anything 😂

[@jwfriar]

Dude should have bought him a dozen coffees

[@JoshuaTootell]

If you draft me for 40 miles and never talk, I call that a win 😂

[@terryjenner2156]

I like the comments. Here in Tucson we have lots of path, hence lots of problem children.

[@coltonmiller7436]

Whenever people get on my wheel or try to race, I like to pump them up, "let's go! heck yeah!" I feel like responding to people with positivity transformed my own kneejerk reaction from "oh this guy thinks he can beat me? what a jerk," to something more uplifting. I've also had the bike path experience! He dropped his wife to try and pace with us, it was probably the same guy, hahaha! That being said, it doesn't happen THAT often to me, and for those who it does happen often to (pros and women), I can see it getting quite old quite fast, especially when you're really just trying to stay in the zone on a training ride.

[@craigpavia8943]

I like to think I'm a "in the wheel" expert, and their are a few rules that I live by once I attach or some attaches to my slow a$$. If I get passed on the left with some form of notice (on your left is the etiquette) then I "assume" the rider is experienced enough to allow or even want a passenger...This leads to an invite to "rotate" in a pace-line where I will either wait for a "hand/arm flick" or after a few minutes I'll offer verbally to take a "pull." I've been riding for 30+ years in the NY/NJ area and have never had an issue; not once. That said I've gotten some dirty looks if I "join" a group and offer nothing or if they have complete Rapha kit (I"m serious, and I'm a member). As for someone jumping on my wheel for whatever reason, I often have no issue at all. I don't object unless I notice while I pass them that they are erratic/clearly spent or brand new to the sport...usually the bike, kit, pedaling style will clue me in pretty quickly...My usual recourse is to apply power to drop them sufficiently (normally on a short climb done in saddle) or I slow down to a pace that they will pass me. I had one occasion where I asked the rider to get off my wheel since he was really all over the road and bike in what looked to be dangerous to me. Remember that brakes are key to the proper pulling pace-line and that a rider up front is taking a risk that the riders behind are paying attention. It is also hugely important to thank a rider for a great pull...I always do that.

[@matskelton9589]

Breath of continued fresh air Phil 😂👌

[@solano8725]

Read all your books,...all were really good! Hilarious!

[@Skamhes]

Sit on someone else’s wheel at your own risk. I had a teenage kid sitting on my wheel this summer and I didn’t realize he was there. I went to blow my nose and realized he was there about mid snot rocket😬😬. I apologized at the next light and he was super chill about.

[@joshmagrum3552]

cycling is such a fashion show. go out and have some fun and who cares about the rest. great video!

[@peatyxxjxxx1494]

If you’re not in a race I don’t see the point of wearing gear. People see my bike, my clothes, and automatically assume they can pass me, even though I’m not moving at a slow pace. I had a guy pass me on the Golden Gate Bridge when it was full of people. He had a nice road bike and all the gear. Passes me but then doesn’t move that much faster because of all the people . I end up passing him a few minutes later and dropped him so fast because he couldn’t navigate the crowd.

[@davethegayguy420]

Got Black Bibs, you are right they are great ! Great job Phil.

[@madpeddler8263]

I had a woman pass me once as I relaxed briefly on a slight climb then her speed slowed down so that she was right ahead of me. I wasn't attempting to draft her but simply maintaining my normal pace. Then she got freaked out and asked me to get off her wheel. I asked her why she made the effort to pass me only to slow down? To appease her I had to accelerate until I was about 500M ahead of her and then return to my normal pace.

[@sexandtheswiss]

Maybe it wasn't her plan?

[@ashurany]

Never sat on any random rider's wheel, but I did get passed recently by a gravel/mtb pro on the road and tried to keep up with him and his riding buddy, which is to say, failed. :)

[@juliesmith8644]

Thank you!! Yes, it’s really uncomfortable if you don’t say anything. I will pull off hard left and hit the brakes if someone doesn’t say something to me. If you’re not willing to talk or ask and just want free speed, I’m not interested. Why are you out riding if you don’t want to work? You’ve now changed my ride and now I can’t snot rocket, and I don’t want to point out all the potholes on New England winter shit roads.

[@Filthy_Rich_556]

I mean, just don't hold in your farts. Problem solved! Joking aside, if that ever happens, I don't know why it took so long to fund this channel. Instant subscribe, now on to the binging.

[@davidweisz3338]

What about the combo of sitting on your wheel in order to comment about your fashion? Any differences, or do all the rules still apply?

[@mkoschara]

This is great.

[@mediumrick7667]

100% on all of it.

[@peatyxxjxxx1494]

If I’m on a solo ride I would never hang out in someone’s draft if I didn’t intend to pass them. Man or woman that would be considered stalking. You are not on a team and not in a race. Do not do this. 1 or two bicycle lengths behind the person in front of you is a good distance to follow but make the other person still feel safe. One annoying thing that I and other single speed riders do is give chase to those on road bikes. We like to see if we can keep pace or pass. Most of the road cyclist I’ve encountered have seem to somewhat appreciate the chase.

[@mathewrose2951]

Fair about the kit critiques, but I spit my coffee when I read the one that said “Welcome to the Australian national team.” You have to admit: that one was funny.

[@mikekelly7340]

Just the other day stopped at a red light the guy with a kit on comes up to meslows down then blows thelight, i caught up to them. Wonder if they treat this in there group ridding group sessions?

[@JohnRider]

“Don’t be a stalker,” sage advice!

[@TheActiveLife20]

I was doing a coffee ride with a friend earlier this week and we passed a lady cyclist. A quarter of a mile later she passed us back and we ended up following her for about 5 miles. We even made several turns but we were following a pre-planned route. We could see her keep looking back at us. I hope she didn't think we were stalking her, but we were just following the map on my Element.

[@juliesmith8644]

Just say something. Like “hey, we’re heading your way, do you mind if we’re here?” Cuz yes, it’s really uncomfortable

[@TheActiveLife20]

@@juliesmith8644 I was afraid it was. Not that we could have caught up to her to say something. She was a very strong rider and was quite a bit in front of us and kept pulling away. I mean we weren't drafting her or anything. We just happened to be going the same way.

[@ericclaire-helenerfletcher9433]

One should dress as they feel like doing, as for drafting usually I am by myself however if i do meet someone i will ask them which direction ,distance , speed and so on, if the person wants to draft or provide a draft then great if not i continue on my own , it comes down to the speed someone wants to be at and at the same time what are they comfortable with , a lot of people are not at ease drafting someone. PS if I come up on someone in a head wind i will offer to help break the wind in front and at the same time help guide them as positioning behind me can help them , the road will dictate that part as to the room available, at 65 i tend to be mellow, there are the odd ones that do not react or say anything ,then i leave them wallow in there misery especially in the wind

[@soggywilson]

ok doesn't need to match but do your tires need to? black front tire + tanwall rear????

[@christophertrapp4195]

Personally, the old Jelly Belly kits are some of my all time favorites. A buddy of mine rides a Jelly Belly Focus he got from a former team rider. If you don't like jelly beans, you have no soul.

[@nerigarcia7116]

I ride solo a lot but am never training for anything so I don't mind if guys sit on my wheel for a bit, but if we're going quite some distance at least take a pull every now and then. If I catch up to a guy but can't pass him I'll sit on his wheel. If he drops me, he drops me, he probably didn't want me there. If he's struggling, I'll take a turn, but only if I feel I'm not going to hold him up. Especially if there are headwinds, I'd welcome some help as I'm sure would the other guy.

[@JMcLeodKC711]

Phil, the backwards helmet is becoming your signature look. I say you name him “Lance”

[@kennypryde4235]

If someone passes me (happens a lot) without even acknowledging that I exist, that pisses me off. Pisses me off so much I will sprint like a bastard to get on their wheel and sit on them for as long as I can. Which is never very long before I explode. But, dear god, riders who can't even raise a hand off their bars to say 'Hi' or even grunt 'Alright?' when they pass? What the actual... Otherwise, you've got to ask if its OK to sit on and you've got to take a spell on the front. Them's the Glasgow rules (OK, my rules).

[@user-ml1hu3jr8l]

We're all bike buddies, if someone wants to draft me, welcome onboard.

[@brewed544]

Same, im a strong Clydesdale rider, I find it a compliment that riders wants to draft me, I generally put the hammer down and use it as a training effort if they hold me good on em!! Its been fun this past weekend at the Tour Down Under.

[@jwfriar]

When someone is just a bit faster and they pass me, unless I purposely let off which I don’t ever wanna do, I’m gonna stick to his wheel without trying. I make sure to pull even if I spend less time up front. I feel like I can tell if they are cool with it or not. If not, I’ll give some distance. In Seattle asking is crazy weird bc of how introverted everyone is. And of course, don’t draft a woman you don’t know. When someone gets on my wheel, I don’t mind as long as they do some pulls. If not, I accelerate to a speed they can’t match and drop them.

[@FelixR1991]

But what if you get passed by 2 or 3 people who obviously know each other, would it be okay to hang on to their wheel? And what if you ride with a friend, and a group of women (with at least 1 in full SD Worx kit and bike) sit on your wheel for 10 minutes? Would it be cool to sit on theirs for a while when they eventually overtake you?

[@swites]

I had a guy chase up to me from behind and sit on my wheel up a 5km climb, and then sprint past me in the last 100m like he was winning a mountain top finish at the tdf!

[@reflectionsdetail]

I meet at the rock bridge in Girona looking for a group to ride with, some guys my age pulled up I asked "cafe ride or structure" they said cafe and I asked if I could join. One guy said if you flat you are on your own........I talked to the guy later and found out it was Dan Martins dad, super cool guy. If you want to ride with people that pass you or you catch them, just communicate and make it fun. I've meet some of the coolest people and I've meet what I thought were cool people and they were a Penis.....big ones in person.

[@duensingandrew]

I once had to pass a guy during a ride, I was doing 22 and the dude was doing maybe 19. I kid you not, as I'm next to him in the street, he accelerates slowly until we're both doing 28 and it was the worst thing ever. I would have been fine if he wanted to hang on my wheel, but that was a whole different ball game.

[@fabeulous]

I might have to overthink my drafting habits. I tend to leave a little late for my commute. Following someone on a training ride, or even better an e-bike, usually means I get to work faster and less sweaty.

[@Dobiecx]

Please don't do this. As uncle Phil pointed out it can be dangerous. I don't trust any stranger outside of an actual race to be sitting on my wheel. I can't see how close they are, are they overlapping my wheel, are they paying attention, etc? I'm not riding by myself so I can to worry about some jackwad on my wheel and/or point out obstacles, especially early in the morning.

[@velocityfpv5231]

i sit on wheels in my casual wear without people noticing, then my freewheel starts to whir and they look back like wtf 🤣 people don't care here in the uk. I mean it's safer to ride close together rather than having gaps where cars have to squeeze inbetween riders as overtaking 2 at ones isn't easy with a gap

[@ImGlossy63]

Phil always curious what you do with all the old sponsors stuff that you don’t use anymore. Sell it off or donate to junior programs?

[@hoogabooga9736]

i'm pretty sure I purchased a pro's (disgraced extremely popular pro) used gear on Ebay! Didn't know it until i came across some pics of him in my gear! Great stuff.

[@PurePresentations]

I had a guy take my wheel, say nothing then sprint for the "line" and give a fist pump for his "victory", I'm sure it made him happy.

[@mrpokeit]

Totally agree re kit but disagree re wheel, within reason, I like when someone gets on my wheel during my commute, we can pull together for a few minutes till we go our separate ways. Always nice if someone takes a turn and I'll often say "my turn!" as I pull in front to take a turn in the wind. Just to make it clear it's not a race (That would be ridiculous) but a temporary peleton. I'm a new cyclist so may have got the etiquette wrong but I love that little connection on my commuting rides, just like I'll have a chat about a particularly egregious headwind or compliment someone if they are fast when we are stopped together at traffic lights. All part of the community I thought. Agree re fellow cyclists who are women, I'll mention the headwind (Blimey! That's a stabby headwind eh?) or whatever at traffic lights just as I would male riders but wouldn't draft unless I knew them personally. It's funny as a new cyclist I'll often 'use' a clearly faster cyclist to spur me on to greater efforts I really hope they don't think I'm trying to race. That would be completely meaningless/pointless 8/

[@mrpokeit]

As an added note I don't mean draft like the pros do, with inches between wheels but a metre or two and off to the side slightly so I can see ahead. Riding inches from someone who is unaware would be well, dangerous and stupid.

[@NoahStephens]

Phil seems like a good person. Very reasonable. I would say it’s no good to sit on someone’s wheel without their permission. Great video

[@13squared2009]

It would be super cool if you offered to buy me coffee one day! I’ll never be fast enough to draft you tho…

[@shepshape2585]

100% agree with all of this. Grown men commenting on the clothing styles of other grown men is just so absurd I don't even know what to think. Also, if I pass you and you want to sit on my wheel, just ask if it's ok. Simple.

[@wktmeow]

Why is it absurd for grown men to talk about clothing styles?

[@ConstantRider]

Meh if someone's sitting while I'm on a training ride, it's his problem not mine...

[@B-gh7md]

Yeah 100% don’t jump on someone’s wheel without asking. And honestly it’s rude to even ask in my opinion. Maybe it would be acceptable if it was on a very busy road and there’s a lot of riders at a similar riding level but other than that don’t do it! Most people out there are doing there own thing and they want there space.

[@mycoolcar]

Wear what you like, just make sure your helmet is on correctly.

[@Stephen-nq5kd]

“… anyone that’s riding a bike and not being a dick is alright.” As elegant as E = mc2.

[@turnerdrywallrestoration8077]

Have you booked your slot at the Improv? I’d say let the farts fly.

[@jelloMohnny]

I'd much prefer if the wheel sucker takes a pull or admits they can't and asks to sit in. If I'm on the rivet, into the wind, killing myself, and I hear you back there freewheeling once in a while? No. Had this guy do exactly that for 15 km then peel off and say "thanks for the pull!". No.

[@davidvonslingshot]

I would never hold in my farts on someone sitting on my wheel without consent.

[@edwinhuizinga3042]

No question for a retired pro but still a comment: loved this short! And don't ever sit on my wheel unannounced - I have a balance issue and will pull my brakes at unexpected moments ... that's why I'm riding solo. But the last time someone did that I was doing a zone 2 ride. And dropped them :)

[@tednruth453]

Hills?.....hills anyone?......where's the hills? ❤

[@andybellpixeller]

What about e bikes!?! You can't really pass them and you can't announce you're there because they're wearing headphones 100 percent of the time, but how ya gonna pass up a 25 mph pull??

[@jeffhoward4842]

Don’t pass if you can’t make it stick

[@martinmonarrez6943]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about drafting strangers. It’s a fun topic. I did it recently. I was on a gravel ride, and had to get on the road for a section towards the end of my ride. A roadie passed me on a gradual climb so I just hung on. He didn’t say anything, and I let him go when we got to the top. So I assumed we’re good. I’ve always wondered though why people don’t hang onto my wheel when I pass them. I always thought it was because I’m too awesome. Now I know it’s because they’re being courteous. One more thing. I did draft a lady once. She passed me on an e-bike (same hill actually). It was more about pride than creepiness. I hope that’s what she thought also.

[@tom.mcf.]

I ride a flatbar gravel bike, that is slower than a road bike, but faster than a recreation bike. I passed a road bike guy (which I hardly ever do, because I know they can pass me whenever they want) He speed up to draft. He never said a word. Just riding up my back wheel. And argued with me when I said he can just go around me. All because I passed him. He even said we can alternate. Ahhh no thanks creepy weirdo. I do not do that type of riding and never want to. I leave lots of space in front of me and only pass if I have to. And that is so I can give the other rider space. Except for this guy; I assume road bike people only draft other road bike people? Maybe cars and trucks too? Sounds dangerous.

[@jasongrubb3350]

Can I sit on their wheel if they’re on an ebike? They get a free ride, I get a free ride. Win/win.

[@larrylem3582]

It's funny when you play the video at 1.5x speed.

[@greghart6310]

Totally agree about communicating with people if want to take their wheel. People who sneak in there (and then more pathetically attack you at the crest of the hill) are just plain creepy. Its stalker like anti-social behzviour, don't do it!

[@peatyxxjxxx1494]

So no drafting period? What you described makes sense to me especially on a hill. I work smarter not harder so if I see a rider on the same hill why wouldn’t I use his draft to help me get up the hill? If he then passes you I don’t see the problem it’s not like you two are in an actual race. Him being in your draft for a few minutes does not negatively affect you in any way. I could see it being annoying if he uses your draft passes but then can’t keep pace and you then have to pass him again. But if you never see him again I don’t see the problem he’s just drafting. You don’t own the road or the laws of aerodynamics.

[@scruf153]

I just ride my bike for transportation and nothing else

[@chupa_mi_dongle]

If you ride a fixie, don’t draft roadies. They have brakes and they will use them. Ask me how I know!

[@danielbum912]

I don't like people sitting on my wheel without asking to begin with but I could absolutely lose my shit when they start periodically freewheeling. I'm not advocating for brake-checking people but I do fantasize about it when that happens.

[@Dobiecx]

I've done it. It was great. I would do it again.

[@hutchy_4297]

you can try to drop me or pull over otherwise I'm sitting in for a bit then I will ride you right off my wheel if I get bored:)

[@akatgif]

Sugar bear 🐻

[@dmv4554]

The strangers drafting you are oblivious they are doing anything g wrong or weird.

[@madpeddler8263]

If you don't ask or make your presence known when you sit on my wheel don't complain when you get hit by a snot rocket.

[@alanwllms5172]

No

[@johnsampson2544]

I was out on the local river greenbelt (a shared ped/bike path) later than I normally ride. I prefer to ride before all the foot traffic comes out. It was a weekday and towards the end of my ride I came up on a young lady, on a commuter bike, obviously on her way somewhere. We both ran into some heavy foot traffic congestion, and I ended up a bike length or so behind her for 3-4 miles. I was ringing my bell for the peds in front of us, so she knew I was there. It was just easier for the two of us to get through the traffic "together". When she turned to go her way, I apologized for what I thought was crowding her and wished her a good rest of the ride. She smiled and gave me a "you, too". I still felt a bit creepy though, for what I thought was 'getting into her ride'.

[@billkallas1762]

I only get slightly annoyed when they sit on, but I bet you never had a person sit on, while you were doing an actual Time Trial.

[@davidnicholson6680]

I enjoy the 15 year olds in basketball shorts on ebikes that blow by you at 28.

[@mikedickerson3944]

I’m out on my TT bike and some guy sits on. I don’t want him to crash me so I tell him to back off. But he’s got headphones on and can’t hear. Wave him off. Nothing. Slammed on the brakes. That caught his attention.

[@culeparasiempre]

We need to talk about why some cyclists (when they get just a little good) become so snobbish

[@worstretirementever]

I don't think the cycling ability has much to do with it. I've never heard a pro make fun of someone for that sort of thing. It's the folks riding for a year making fun of people doing what they were doing 6 months ago

[@culeparasiempre]

@@worstretirementever oh I don't mean pros, I mean amateurs pretending they're pros, the kind overly focused on the gear instead of the legs

[@daviddawn9043]

I couldn't give a shit if someone hangs on my wheel it's up to them, I also don't need a therapist I'm a boomer get on with it lol

[@AB-fh9zh]

Someone sitting on your wheel is not harmless unfortunately, what Phil describes actually happens: I've had people crashing into me. Yes, riding close on someone's wheel takes skill, and the people who do this as you pass them, without asking, invariably do not posess that skill. Please, just don't. Having said that, I am a devout and proud member of the Philuminati.

[@mscm4592]

I don't care if he was a doctor or an astronaut - grabbing someone's wheel without getting their OK is 100% a-hole behavior. I usually politely ask them to not do that because 1 - I don't know you or your skill level therefor I have zero trust in that you won't cause a crash and get ME hurt (or bend up my rig), 2 - essentially you have conscribed me to tow you at a pace that you can'tdo on your own, (again, I don't even know you so why would I slave for you), and 3 - YOU DIDNT EVEN ASK IF MIND. If the a-hole continues on past that, I just pull off and wish him well on his own. I had one guy actually start cursing at me telling me it is his right to ride his bike however and wherever he wants and that if I was such a fast rider, I should just pull away or just shut up. After that guy, I gave up - now when it happens I pull off for a few minutes and give the Lance his space.

[@ResonantElecDesign]

never draft a stranger without asking and never never draft a single speeder, no matter what their gear inch is.

[@madpeddler8263]

Or someone on a tri-bike

[@stevocanuck]

nah if you try to draft a stranger you're an A hole

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

When they hop on without saying anything, my new tactic is to make a grandiose gesture for them to come around and go to the front right away. Then I assess the situation and decide if I want to ride with them. I’m not your chump. I don’t work for you for free. Show me what you got first.

[@karelvandervelden8819]

Yes but you should give the riders who arrive at your wheel some time to catch their breath first.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

If they were able to get on MY wheel, I am certain they are not winded in any way. @@karelvandervelden8819

[@sexandtheswiss]

I keep having men on my wheel and it is creepy. I am not big enough to draft and they are just way too close.

[@BigWealthySchlong]

Haha I thought I was insane but I do had the same issue with drafting BY a stranger or drafting a stranger :D