I usually ride with just one other person and have picked up a couple of little "tricks" that I am graciously passing on to everyone else but the person with whom I ride.

My favorite, particularly on a windy day, is to call "car back" while riding in a good spot to block Skipper's view. I let him move ahead and tuck in behind and spend a few minutes cleaning my glasses, having a drink, and watching the world go by. When I've had plenty of rest, I move up next to him and report that the car turned off. He gets a little better workout and as I'm a bit older, I get a little better rest.

In the same vein, if there really is a car back, I gallantly forge ahead and take the lead. I figure he's a bit more visible and besides I like my bike better than his and therefore don't wish to endanger it anymore than necessary.

Lastly, I like to go fast down hills so I am inevitably in the lead at the top. Just as inevitably, Skipper passes me as gravity tends to favor him in this case. At the momment he passes, if I time it properly, I can tuck in and carry my speed for just a bit longer than I would on my own. How sweet it is!

So there you are, a few things I've picked up over the course of the years. Feel free to add, criticize, or use. Lastly, I might add that I've learned that a little company, at least for me, sure shortens a ride.