SCIENCE CONCEPT:
- When riding in a pack, the riders in the front consume
30% to 40% more energy than the riders in the middle of the pack. This
is also the case for the individual rider. However, by taking turns a
rider at the front of the pack may drop back to rest up. By taking turns
at the front, the pack may maintain a higher speed than the individual
rider.
STUDENT OBJECTIVE:
- The student will demonstrate and observe how riding
in a pack can enhance their individual aerodynamic speed in a race.
OVERVIEW:
- The student will ride in a pack around a track to experience
the dynamic of pack riding and how it effects one's individual race time.
By taking turns in the different positions within the pack a rider can
take advantage of the draft that is created in the pack.
TEACHER TEXT:
- In individual events, every effort is made to reduce the
aerodynamic drag of the bicycle and rider. In rode races, aerodynamics
still play an important role, but in a different manner. When an
individual breaks away from the pack, he must be careful to time the
breakaway so that he can finish the race before the pack catches him.
The benefits of riding in a pack can also by extended to
tandem bicycles. On average, tandem bicycles are 10% faster than an
individual rider. In the late 1800's individuals would use
multiple-rider bikes to pace behind when attempting speed records. This
soon evolved into pacing behind motorized vehicles. If you've ever seen
the Tour of France or any other bicycle race, you've probably seen
individual riders trying to pace behind motorcycles. This gives them an
advantage in a breakaway as they greatly reduce their aerodynamic drag
and, hence, increase their speed.
Some riders take drafting to extreme speeds. In 1896 a
rider exceeded 60 mph by riding behind a specially shielded railroad car.
By the 1980's riders were going over 140 mph! The current world record
is just shy of 167 mph! In order to achieve these speeds, the riders use
special bicycles which must be moving over 60 mph before the rider can
pedal under his own power!
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PREPARATION TIME:
- 15 minutes.
LESSON TIME:
- 60 minutes.
TEACHER PREP:
- Gather materials
WORDS TO KNOW:
- aerodynamic drag
- pacing
- breakaway
- drafting
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