BRAN: Day 5, Round 3

[I have been looking for a new video to show the whole concept of "drafting", since that is the only way to maintain top speeds, and still be able to breath. Bob spoke today about going 20.3 miles per hour while biking with a couple fast guys.

The way this is done, is simply one guy (in the lead) cutting into the wind and pedaling hard. The second and third guy in line are pedaling, but they are able to do this with less energy needed and can "rest" a bit. Drafting allows them to be "pulled" along and to bike easier. Then, when the first guy needs a break, he will shift to the side, slide into the back, and the next guy up with cut into the wind.

So, to show an extreme example (that you should NOT duplicate) here are two cyclist pushing the speed limit by drafting behind a car. In a real race, this is an illegal move and can cost a team many minutes. I think the video does a good job at showing how powerful drafting can be.]



[Now, take a legal and extreme case. You take the tour de france cyclists and put them in one massive group, cutting into the wind from one of the sides. Those directly impacted by the wind will be forced to the end (with the other cyclists pushing hard and moving faster in the draft). Those forced to the end will drop away if they cannot get back into position so they can be sheltered from the wind.

Bobby and I tried to find this example before he left, without success. I was hoping I might have it by today, but still no success. I guess there is always tomorrow.]