{"id":1458,"date":"2014-09-02T14:40:27","date_gmt":"2014-09-02T21:40:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cycling4water.ca\/?p=1444"},"modified":"2020-04-29T19:22:17","modified_gmt":"2020-04-29T19:22:17","slug":"lesson-from-cycling-drafting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cycling4water.ca\/lesson-from-cycling-drafting\/","title":{"rendered":"Lesson from Cycling: Drafting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drafting is a strategy where two or more cyclists line up in such a way as to provide a greater efficiency in the ride. The lead cyclist provides an air stream draft for the others which can, according to some estimates, provide up to 30% greater efficiency. The optimum distance between cyclists is about 20 inches– being closer, cyclists run the risk of accidents. A greater separation diminishes the benefit of the draft.\"DSC_5673\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We found the benefit of drafting was accentuated in strong head wind conditions. The stronger the wind the greater the benefit to the cyclist, but at a significant cost to the lead rider! Because the lead rider expends a great amount of energy, the lead position is rotated to utilize the fresh strength of each team member. We found the discipline of drafting was intentional and required focus for all team members. There were times when drafting was so effective that it provided profound moments of satisfaction along the way.\"DSC_4416\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Drafting is a great illustration of team work:<\/p>\n