Fog, sun, punctures and wheelsuckers. . .

I have ridden two days in a row since returning to the Easter break. Yesterday’s ride started in a light fog, which soon lifted to a glorious Melbourne morning about 20c with no wind. Traffic was light and I didn’t see many bikes on the path until I hit the city. (Click here to see the route I ride to work).  The ride home was even quieter, hardly any bikes and very few joggers. All of the training I did eating Easter eggs paid off, because I felt pretty good for most of the way and finished the ride in 1hr 7min. Click here for the ride from work.

 This morning I started off the ride with a puncture, a bit of glass in the rear wheel was the culprit. I was only 100m from the car so I walked back and replaced the tube. (I have been carrying at least two tubes ever since I got 3 separate punctures on a 10 km ride!!). The first 10 kms were uneventful, my odometer decided to take a break 1.5 km in the ride so I couldn’t tell how fast I was going, so I sat on what I felt was a comfortable pace until I picked up a wheel-sucker!  I have no problem with someone drafting behind me (let’s face it, I can block a lot of wind!) but on narrow winding bike paths it can be dangerous, I was comfortable travelling at my speed and he/she made no effort to go around but stuck on my wheel for a good 8 km until they dropped off somewhere before the Chandler Hwy.  

At what point does ‘following behind’ become ‘drafting’? What is the drafting etiquette in such  situations, should have the drafter taken turns at the front with the leader? Should the drafter ask for permission before attempting said drafting manoeuvre? Should the drafter having drafted, acknowledge the leader with a nod, wink, wave, or simple “thanks”? should the leader attempt to blow them away on the next hill Lance Armstrong style (not an option in my case!)  perhaps I should suggest we get a tandem bike next time!!