Leading and Drafting

I used to ride my bicycle a lot when training for races and I want to start biking again next summer.  To me, it is the perfect exercise.  You can cover large amounts of ground, yet it is not too fast that you can't enjoy the scenery and it is not as slow as running. 

When I used to bike with a friend, we would take turns drafting.  When you draft, you follow the leader very closely so that the wind resistance is cut down and it is easier to maintain your speed with a lot less effort.  If you ever watch the Tour de France, you will know exactly what I am talking about.  The draft in that epic race can be the difference between winning and losing the stage or even the Tour.

We almost always focus on the person drafting while the person in the lead is hardly ever mentioned.  But the person in the lead is the person that allows the drafter to go faster than they ever could on their own.  When drafting, you don't have to fight the wind.  Leading is hard work.  Facing the wind.  Providing the direction for both bikers.  But that is what leading is all about; in biking and in life.

Leading is not about doing the easy thing.  It's not about being in front so that everyone can see you.  It's not about taking the glory.  Leading isn't about making the "story" about you.

Taking the lead is about helping the "drafter" be better.  It's about helping someone else be able to peddle a little easier but yet maintain their speed or even getting "faster".  It's about helping other people be smarter about what they are doing, and helping them to tap into their unique skill sets and God-given talents.

I'm not afraid to face the "wind".  I am not afraid to peddle harder.  I just want to help other people realize their full potential and to help decide the direction to go. 

The person following simply has to be willing to "draft".