I always loved those bumper stickers that say, ‘If you can read this bumper sticker you are following too close.’ Nobody like a tailgater on the freeway. It’s the same on the trail.
Over the past couple of years we’ve had to learn new terms like social distancing, and re-calibrate our sense of how close is too close. Of course proper spacing depends on speed, relative speed, and terrain so for this question, assume riding an average trail at average speed.
If you don’t think you can avoid the biker in front of you if the biker crashes, you are too close.
Depends on if you know them or not.
I don’t like crowded trails and ride during non-peak times. Just me and nature.
Speed and terrain are variables to factor into safe following distance. If there is a technical section or feature ahead, leave enough distance to avoid hitting the rider in front if they brake hard or fail to clean the obstacle. If descending a steep section, leave more distance than in a flat section; when climbing, leave space to get around the rider if they falter, etc.
I just draft. Free speed 🙂
For me personally if I’m training in then its really how much I trust the person or not.
If I can’t see the trail conditions in front of the other guy, I’m too close. There’s nothing as humiliating as crashing while following the other guy’s line.