DRAFTING 101
Drafting practice resumed today on my 50 mile ride. In an effort to get me faster, Don has been working with me on drafting. I know this isn't legal in races, but it serves a purpose in training.
I notice every long ride I/we do that my speed is gradually, but steadily, coming up. I'm not the fastest rider; in fact, I'm probably one of the slowest. But I work hard at trying to get faster.
I really don't know if its because of my accident; that might have a lot to do with it, because I never expected it would take 2+ years to recover from this. But the sad fact is, it has. Its certainly not for lack of trying that my speed remains locked in at 15 mph or lower. I know I was hitting higher speeds before that, but I have been totally unable to get higher since then.
Drafting is fairly easy--if you know how to do it. For me, its been a work in progress. I have trust issues--I probably will never trust anyone 100%--and with drafting, you have to trust not only yourself, but the person/s you are drafting from. You have to trust that they will keep a pace and not cause a crash; you have to trust that you can keep a pace and not cause a crash. So its been hard for me to give up this control--I always want to know where everyone is who rides with me. I want to see where they are at all times to anticipate what is going on ahead of me. Of course in the hope of avoiding a crash.
So I am learning. Learning to draft and learning to trust. The end result is seeing my speed go up from my last 50 mile ride, 7 tenth of a mile faster. Doesn't seem like much, but over 50 miles, it is a huge effort.
7 comments:
I need to work on drafting too, so far I just can't do it.
So either he leads, I fall off and get left in teh dust or I pull and do all the work.
If you figure it out...let me know!
seems that you are heading in the right direction. I have to get my bike out one of these days. Usually it's only twice per year....no wonder I never get better
I can definitely see myself having those trust issues. Good for you for working on it, and nice job on the long ride!
After talking with you and Jan, I'm in awe that you even get on the bike. Good for you Vickie, give yourself the well deserved credit you are due!
Yes, it took me a nearly a year to really get back to riding well again after my crash. And to this day, I still have difficulties cornering and going down hills fast w/o braking. I draft a little further back than I used to but it's getting better. Keep working it, Vickie!!
I love to draft, I am a great drafter...just takes time and staying focused. Leading is good too though, have to get stronger and you don't do that by drafting a lot...
Congratulations on progress.
So discouraging to realize how long long it takes to "come back". .. but YOU ARE DOING IT.
Post a Comment