What should I know about pacelines and drafting?
A paceline is when a group of riders go in a single or multiple file. Each person tries to stay as close as possible to the person in front of them. Drafting is another word for this and it is simply when you go close enough to the person in front of you that it becomes easier for you to ride. The person in front is shielding you from the wind. If you’re a beginner you might not feel very comfortable about riding right behind another person so close. That’s fine, you can keep more of a distance until you become more experienced. The important thing about riding in a paceline or if you’re in front of someone is to not make sudden changes in speed. If you have to slow down either use the hand signal that you’re slowing, or call out “Slowing” or “Stopping”. If you’re riding behind someone, try not to focus on their wheel. Try to look ahead of them to see what is coming up. This is when it becomes important to point out road hazards for the person behind you. Check out this page for more i
