Granny

I was out spinning today - trying to deal with the torn rotator cuff I got from a crash a couple of weeks ago - and this guy comes up from behind, pulls a bike length or so ahead, looks back and asks "do you want to draft me?". I wasn't really sure how to take it - was he being a tool or honestly trying to help. It does seem like a pretty insulting thing to say - kind of insinuates that the person needs help. I wouldn't roll up beside one of the handicapped guys out training in a racing chair and ask him if wanted me to push. Seems pretty self evident that the guy is out there to do his own workout. I just told the guy no thanks, that I was out there to do my own thing.

Maybe I'm being too sensitive - getting PMS or something.

C_Heath

you coulda dialed it up to about 1100 watts, turned back to him and said.......

"ok, you ready?"



I was riding with a guy once, just me and him and he did that. I was at LT in his slipstream trying to keep pace, about to die, he looked back and asked me if I was freaking ready.

I said yea, he was gone.

mollusk

I think that you were right. The proper thing for him to say was "Do you want to exchange pulls?" By saying that he gives "props" to you even though he has caught up to you. After that it is "OK" if he pulls 90% of the time.

larue

I think he was coming on to you....

Did he seem sincere? I doubt he was just being an ass but you never know.

Starclimber

I think he interpreted your easy spinning as fatigue and figured you wanted to latch on but were too polite to do so, and maybe too shy to ask. So, he offered his wheel. Possibly he meant to grind you off his wheel to prove his absolute superiority, but I doubt it. Opportunity missed, Granny. Then again, was he a fat old guy on a beach cruiser? Now THAT would be insulting.

Bibi

Ok, normally this is a women's forum comment, but what if one of the riders was female? oh, wait, i think i've seen this derailment in other road forums. some juvie will be in here next going, "You can score, dude!" I'd rather add my 2 cents to say, hey, it can be fun, just not in your circumstance right now. don't read malice into friendliness.

My experience: crossing the street after a stop, another rider and I progress to the path on the other side and start up. he turns around and asks, "Are you falling in?" stunned, because i'm not used to strangers speaking to me (and all too aware of the etiquette involved), I stutter with a no, but then, ask, "are you offering?" he was, so i did, took my turn pulling, and 7 miles later can't keep up and get spit "out."

It was fun, and my 30-something mile ride turned to 45, so why not? of course, this was a ride, not a recovery or a spin. Maybe you're just not at peace with the spinning rides. i feel like a goof when i do them -- lots of apparent effort and not going anywhere as everyone and their grandmother passes by. But they are Oh So Good For You. Glad to hear you're mending ...

dr_cantalope

You didn't happen to be riding on route 208 in Orange County were you? Because this past Tuesday, I was riding home after a club ride and passed a guy just spinning up the hill. As opposed to being a jerk and just blowing by him I slowly approached his wheel, and when there was no traffic from behind I said hello and asked how he was doing. Then I said, "Do you need a pull or anything?" Figuring I was about to speed on by but didn't want come off as an arrogant self centered meat-head, I thought I'd extend an invatition for a ride. I guess some people might take it the wrong way. I didn't really have anything to say to the guy. The only thing we had in common is that we were both riding bikes. It was the first thing that came to my mind. Does that make what I said/did insulting? Should I have done something else?

'nother

I think people worry way too much about drafting and being drafted. Getting snarky about someone offering you a wheel? Sheesh. If you didn't want or need it the appropriate response is "no, thanks" or something to that effect. But you should not get insulted by having been offered (nor or accepting the offer of) a pull...that's free speed, man!

Pro

Yes, that could definately be it or it could be something to do with your insane 2/cal per week diet j/k But yah, a big drop in calories and all can put people in a cranky mood. Anyways, hope you're doin' all right with the riding, dieting, and pain from that crash. GO GRANNY GO!

And don't beat up any *&$&ed up drivers! We got tons of them here in Toronto and wow, sometimes I just wish I had a rocket launcher attached to my bike.

Jarery

Its like a driver asking someone walking along the highway if they want a lift.

Without being there to see the expression or hear the inflection, I can only assume he was trying to be nice and offer free speed as was pointed out above.

Shemp

That would be my take as well.

cmcenroe

I would be stoked to have a pull offered to me.

botto 

You sure it wasn't Boy George singing "do you really want to draft me?" to himself?

Bob S.

+1. Nice answer. Bob

RiPHRaPH

you are thinking too much. nice gesture, wrong assumption.

SBSpartan

I think you need to stop being such a little girl.

kosherdave

It could be that the guy is like me, nearly always riding alone, occasionally getting into a nice line, and he wanted to return the favor to a fellow cyclist. Maybe he just wanted a chance to lead for once, and maybe be nice and have someone to ride with for a while. It might not have had anything to do with you appearing to be slower or fatigued. Then again, who knows...

40-Dan

LOL!!! Not exactly what you want another man in spandex to say to you.

I kill myself sometimes.

Regarding the OP, I'll throw my hat in with the "he was just trying to be friendly" camp.

Dan