Drafting to Conserve Energy

Drafting, also called Slipstreaming, is following closely behind another moving object to conserve energy. This technique is used not only in cycling, but also in automotive racing, and in nature with migratory birds. Drafting will help the weaker rider keep up with the faster riders.

According to Wikipedia “Drafting or slipstreaming is a technique where two vehicles or objects align in a close group reducing the overall effect of drag due to exploiting the lead object’s slipstream. Especially when high speeds are involved, drafting can significantly reduce the echelon’s average energy expenditure required to maintain a certain speed and can also slightly reduce the energy expenditure of the lead vehicle.” The more riders in a single file the easier it gets as further back in line you’re placed. This can also be seen in car racing and migratory birds.

To get the benefits of drafting, stay as close as you can to the rider in front of you without touching the rear wheel of the rider in front of you. Those who are learning to draft will keep a distance of about 2 to 3 feet in between themselves and the rider in front. Experienced riders can bring the gap in to about a foot to a foot and a half. And racers on a smooth course will on have a gap of about six inches to a foot.
While riding that close to others it’s double important that you stay alert to everything around you. Don’t let yourself rear-end the rider in front of you. If you do, you’re likely to fall and everyone behind you will fall and pile up on top of you. You also need to pay attention to the speed of those in front of you. You don’t want too much space developing in front of you so you lose the slipstream.

You can draft most fast moving vehicles. At the turn of the 20th century, a cyclist, nick named Mile a Minute Murphy, held the cycling speed record by drafting a train going 60 miles an hour.  Drafting cars and trucks will give a big wind barrier. Some riders who have done this have described this as being pulled, or sucked behind the lead vehicle. Drafting a vehicle can be dangerous.  If you don’t know and trust the driver, don’t do it. Large cars and trucks can brake much faster than you, and while drafting a vehicle you’ll be riding at a much faster speed than on a normal ride.  If they brake suddenly you don’t want to kiss their bumper.