FSC #2 Fernandina Beach: Do you know how to draft?
For those of you competing in San Fernandina the next weekend one of my tips is know how to draft.
Although, drafting is something we may have heard, in mountain biking races is not seen as much as in Fernandina Beach. The Finish line is usually placed a good distance from the trail head. This means that as you finish your lap and begin every lap there would plenty of pavement to ride on and with that many riders. Riders who will either be faster than you and slower. This is where drafting comes in. If you follow a person very closely, you will be able to save a lot of energy. All you need to do is draft behind his wheel.
When I say follow closely I am referring to inches. Learn how to tuck your body in and drop your head. A good trick i've learned that improves your efficiency is to look down at the rear tire of the other rider. Before the race is important to know where the wind is blowing. That way you will know for sure the best position. Sometimes it is better to draft on the side of the bicycle.
Warning: A lot of things can go wrong while drafting so close. The person may brake or turn to avoid something or someone. The fact you are following closely does not mean you stop attention to everything else. From time to time jut glance in front of the bicycle you are drafting.
Tips
-Be on the look out for large groups
-Before getting out of the trails make an effort to bridge gap
-If you have a large group of riders coming behind and their gaining, slow down and get behind them.
Learn from the Pro's: Look at Bob McCarty at 1:48 sitting behind Ryan Woodall comfortably.
Although, drafting is something we may have heard, in mountain biking races is not seen as much as in Fernandina Beach. The Finish line is usually placed a good distance from the trail head. This means that as you finish your lap and begin every lap there would plenty of pavement to ride on and with that many riders. Riders who will either be faster than you and slower. This is where drafting comes in. If you follow a person very closely, you will be able to save a lot of energy. All you need to do is draft behind his wheel.
When I say follow closely I am referring to inches. Learn how to tuck your body in and drop your head. A good trick i've learned that improves your efficiency is to look down at the rear tire of the other rider. Before the race is important to know where the wind is blowing. That way you will know for sure the best position. Sometimes it is better to draft on the side of the bicycle.
Warning: A lot of things can go wrong while drafting so close. The person may brake or turn to avoid something or someone. The fact you are following closely does not mean you stop attention to everything else. From time to time jut glance in front of the bicycle you are drafting.
Tips
-Be on the look out for large groups
-Before getting out of the trails make an effort to bridge gap
-If you have a large group of riders coming behind and their gaining, slow down and get behind them.
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