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I've been out riding solo and have seen a group of about 5-10 ppl riding together at a similar pace. I've always wanted to just kinda get behind them and ride along with them. What's the proper thing to do when you see a bunch riding in a group at your similar speed and direction. Can you just ride along, meaning you joined, since you're there anyways? Do you try to speed up and pass them? I feel if I "try" to pass I'll seem like a jerk, and if I "join" it'll be a throw. I don't know what to do.

mcoomer

Oh, I don't know. You might try saying something like "Hi. I see we're riding at the same speed and seem to be going the same way. I don't want to pass you because I'll seem like a jerk and I don't want to just sit on because it will be a throw. Do you mind if I ride with you?" But that's just me.

Mike

euphoria

Just ask?

botto 

"howdy"

"where you guys heading?"

"mind if i tag along?"

GatorFL

Dial it up to 400W and drope them.

badkarma

Just ask to join the paceline, you'll probably piss them off if you just hop on the back w/o asking.

dogpound

let yourself be known and share the work.
dont be a french word for shower and wheel suck.

bpohl

Jump right to the front of their paceline and brake HARD. Then they'll know you're out for a serious ride with them.

lvleph

Well, you have to start sprinting after the brake. This way they know you want to be their leader.

BlessedHellride

Thanks for making me spit out my coffee.

FrankBattle 

Plus One.

And what was this about passing and feeling like a jerk??

Sheesh!

bpohl

Well, yeah, that kind of went without saying. DUH! I do this all the time when I'm out in my full Discovery Team kit on the MUP.

dogpound

I do it in my Astana kit, but only when the right part of my a$$ is hanging out on my torn shorts

RiPHRaPH

If you come up on them and no one takes note, then clear your throat or make a noise to let them know you are there. Or say, 'you mind?' done.

bpohl

Heh, what a coincidence. Truth be told, I've been wearing my Liberty Seguros jersey out on the roads these days when I cause mayhem to unsuspecting pacelines. Then I hammer away at 40 mph for the next six hours.

urbanknight

That only works on recovery rides.
"How's it going?" Is usually enough, and their response should tell you all you need to know.

wfrogge

Pack riding is for wussy!

Pinyon

I agree...just ride up with them, and ask one of them if it is an open ride. You will be able to tell by seeing the reactions of 2-3 of them if they are practicing running as a team for some event, or are a snooty lot that don't want you around.

I would also suggest looking online for a local riding group. Most local riding clubs and/or groups have some open paceline practice rides. That is often a good place to start, and to figure out what the local scene is like Later.

dhale50

If I'm going faster, I usually pass them, and I don't feel like a jerk doing it either. I don't have the desire to ask a bunch of strangers if I can "tag along." But that's just me, I prefer to ride solo.

jim p

Just pull to the front and then yell do you guys want to ride with me. If everyone is breathing too hard to answer then just ride away.

slim_77

just pull up to the last rider and start talking like you were old friends, dirty jokes work well, oh, and show pictures of naked women...

RazorWind

Ask the guy in front if your lycras make your ass look big.

'nother

Ride up to them and ask, "are you guys still on your warm-up?"

powerglide

I say: "Mind if I tag along?"
never heard a no yet.

dirtyphotons

i usually don't draft strangers, but more for my own safety than out of concern for etiquette.

if we are really going the exact same speed i'll follow several bike lenghts behind them, and say hi if they look back.

but we are rarely going the exact same speed.