[JustChris]

http://www.rybrook.co.uk/magazine/ne...-lane-hoggers/

Prize for anyone driving 2ft behind a lorry at 50mph saving 93% fuel!!!

Anyway I jest of course, but some interesting speed vs drag facts we were probably all approximately aware of. Kills the fun though

I did once get a Strava PB cycling behing a tractor carrying hay bales. There was literally no wind resistance and 30mph on the flat was a doddle. Was genuinely gutted when turned off, considered following but it was the total opposite way home.

[Wills2]

Not for me, I'm usually at the front punching the hole in the air for the tailgaters those annoying tall gun Charlie's that won't come past when you pull in.

There I am cruising a long at XXX mph and you glide past one (who is doing 75mph) and it seems to wake them up and they start to track you....it's very weird but happens often.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Wills2

Not for me, I'm usually at the front punching the hole in the air for the tailgaters those annoying tall gun Charlie's that won't come past when you pull in.

There I am cruising a long at XXX mph and you glide past one (who is doing 75mph) and it seems to wake them up and they start to track you....it's very weird but happens often.

I had one today, I call them car stalkers.

They just seem to sit there and then you see them like fucking leaches spot a car and home in on it.

[Broncho]

Last time I slipstreamed a truck (about 3 weeks ago) it dropped a rock from the back that gouged a wedge in my bonnet

Lesson learnt don't slipstream a tipper.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Wills2

Not for me, I'm usually at the front punching the hole in the air for the tailgaters those annoying tall gun Charlie's that won't come past when you pull in.

There I am cruising a long at XXX mph and you glide past one (who is doing 75mph) and it seems to wake them up and they start to track you....it's very weird but happens often.

I am one of those such people! And here's why I do it, in an area with possible speed camera van sites I sit at 75mph, unless there's someone faster to follow as then they will be clocked by the camera van and I'll be ok, having had time to slow down!

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by teaston

I am one of those such people! And here's why I do it, in an area with possible speed camera van sites I sit at 75mph, unless there's someone faster to follow as then they will be clocked by the camera van and I'll be ok, having had time to slow down!

Yeah have to say I do quite like it if someone goes past on a flowing motorway that I can tuck in behind. Not close mind, actually I sit quite far back so as not to annoy. I call them my "sweeper"...
Like teaston I think it helps with camera vans, or with any patrol cars/unmarked car. All entirely based on the premise that they'll go after the first car, which I've no definite idea is actually what would happen though.

The slipstream thing is definitely true as steady speed on a busy but flowing motorway is the best for fuel consumption for me... Only times I get towards high 40s.

[Ice Man]

Sweeper I like that. I also do this handy for the fuzz that lurk on entry slip roads. If I come across somebody doing the speed I want and the right driving style I will often follow them it makes driving a bit "easier", I have also found it's not unusual to end up taking turns as the lead car.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Ice Man

Sweeper I like that. I also do this handy for the fuzz that lurk on entry slip roads. If I come across somebody doing the speed I want and the right driving style I will often follow them it makes driving a bit "easier", I have also found it's not unusual to end up taking turns as the lead car.

Yeah on long trips that does hold true.

Loads of times from either North Yorkshire or Cambridge up to Lossiemouth (North Scotland), would often see say 4 cars in convoy, each taking an hour or so in front.

Then at Aviemore say, would split off and much flashing of lights and tooting of the horn..

Although one time it was a police car in the convoy lol.

[goodbyalfa]

The only problem I see in this strategy is that you are asking for the vehicle in front to sweep up the crap from the road and pump it all over your car. Don't get me wrong I quite enjoy cleaning my car, but I'd rather be doing other things...

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by goodbyalfa

The only problem I see in this strategy is that you are asking for the vehicle in front to sweep up the crap from the road and pump it all over your car. Don't get me wrong I quite enjoy cleaning my car, but I'd rather be doing other things...

This is why I sit quite far back... Just enough to keep them in sight so you can see if they turn off or brake sharply!

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by teaston

I am one of those such people! And here's why I do it, in an area with possible speed camera van sites I sit at 75mph, unless there's someone faster to follow as then they will be clocked by the camera van and I'll be ok, having had time to slow down!

Well I find it very annoying! When I pick one up now I just pull in and slow down I had one that refused to stop following me even though I slowed to 50mph and there wasn't anyone else on the road! (he was sat 10-20ft foot behind me)

Or if I'm in the mood I'll boot it and get away traffic allowing, I'm not a pathfinder or riding point for strangers.

I'm not talking about people who sit 100ft off you on a quiet motorway/DCW but those that chase you down, close in and won't come past.

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by Wills2

Well I find it very annoying! When I pick one up now I just pull in and slow down I had one that refused to stop following me even though I slowed to 50mph and there wasn't anyone else on the road! (he was sat 10-20ft foot behind me)

Or if I'm in the mood I'll boot it and get away traffic allowing, I'm not a pathfinder or riding point for strangers.

I'm not talking about people who sit 100ft off you on a quiet motorway/DCW but those that chase you down, close in and won't come past.

Whether it's tailgating or slipstreaming, it's very annoying. I had this a few weeks ago coming back up the M3 late at night - car (turned out to be an Aldi) driving a couple of lengths behind me (i.e. way too close) and changing lanes with me, every time, like they were attached by a tow rope. VERY distracting as all I could see in my rear view was a close-up of their headlights.

Every time I pulled into middle lane and lifted-off to a trailing throttle, they did the same and wouldn't overtake.
Every time I pulled into outside lane and resumed my previous speed, they did the same.
I changed lanes a few time through the SPECS section of the M3 - they did the same thing every time.

In the end a well-timed boot-full of throttle opened a big gap and put me ahead of cars in the middle lane just before they needed to pull out to overtake cars ahead of them. Created a bit of traffic obstruction and went on my way.

[Wills2]

Agreed Watsey, as you describe it's bloody infuriating.