Iona Beach, the road to Horseshoe Bay, Cypress Mountain, Mount Seymour and the famous Steveston loop in Richmond. These are the most popular rides for Vancouver cyclists.
These beautiful bicycle highways have only become more popular in the last few years because of the introduction of Fondo rides. As an avid cyclist, I think its fantastic to see so many new and enthusiastic riders on the road.
But with every sport comes rules and a certain etiquette. One piece of Canadian politeness that seems to have been lost in the excitement is the practise of asking permission to draft a rider you dont know. (Also known as sucking, riding, jumping or hanging, drafting is a technique to conserve energy by riding in the slipstream close to the back wheel of another cyclist.)
Although drafting is expected in bike racing and group riding, it irks me when someone I dont know attempts to jump on my wheel. This bothers me for more reasons than merely being impolite.
If you have fallen prey to the pressure of wanting to hang on to a faster group or suck someones wheel, consider these reasons why you should always ask first.
1. Safety
Organized club rides are a great way to enjoy the pleasures and advantages of drafting as you learn how to ride better and faster.
But before every ride, the group will discuss their destination and goals. This key piece of information may be vital if you are trying to catch a club racing at top speed to Iona Beach.
Also, each rider in the club will have signed a waiver and hold basic insurance protecting the club and their members in the event of an accident. If you happen to be riding the same stretch of road at the same time, it doesnt give you the right to tag along.
Jumping into a group that you dont know or arent a part of can be dangerous for everyone since you will be unaware of the workout, the group dynamics and what is expected of you.
If you ask, and they allow you to ride at the back of the group, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the pull and watch how the group organizes itself. The following week, when you have signed up with your new buddies, they will be more than happy to teach you how to work with the team.
2. I dont know you. Do you know me?
If I dont know you, I wont know how you ride and I wont know your preferences or your ability. Nor will you know mine. Do you trust me, a stranger, to point out dangerous obstacles as you speed along behind me?
3. We may not have the same workout plan
When I ride, I have a plan. The same usually applies for most group and club rides. Sometimes the only plan is to go for a long, slow base ride to build endurance. But other times the ride will include sprints or long fast pieces. If you are hanging on to a random persons wheel for a sprint, you better be ready to slow down and move around him when the interval is over!
4. I love my solo rides
I love being alone on the asphalt. Like a runner who experiences a Zen-like high when covering long distances, riding alone is treasured and magical because it doesnt happen often.
As soon as you start riding my wheel, we become part of something together. Im no longer in my meditative state and I feel responsible for you.
So next time you see me out on the road by myself with a serene smile on my face, just ask. Ill be more than happy to have you join me for a ride.
Kristina Bangma is a coach, personal trainer and writer with a love of riding and racing. Email questions to kris@ getfitwithkris.com.
