Originally Posted by volosong

That "joiner" created a dangerous situation for everyone behind him. The OP already mentioned the wheel overlap. Someone in a paceline cannot slow down without signaling those behind. I suspect that this one person, who joined the paceline mid-ride, rotated to the lead, then slowed down has probably never ridden in a fast paceline before. That's downright dangerous, for everyone!

We do not know how much verbal communication there was between him and the others. If he had an opportunity to ask if it was okay to latch on, that he was inexperienced in paceline riding, but would it be okay to join in anyway . . . then the others would be aware of his limits/experience, and would keep a close eye on him.

Getting passed, or passing others while riding solo is a whole different ballgame than riding in a close paceline and have very little to do with each other, besides being on bicycles going in the same direction.

Originally Posted by Bandera

Pacelines in the clubs that I rode with changed character as the season progressed.
What started as a "sing-along" pace while base miles were accumulated got progressively more intense as District Championships loomed.

It's up to the "owners" of the ride to provide the information about it's character & purpose. If it's a training race say so and be prepared to explain what that means. Developing safe efficient paceline technique takes practice and requires absorbing the etiquette, skills, reactions and dynamics of a group working together. It's not for everyone, and there is always a certain amount of good natured verbal exchange.

edit: We all have skills to hone and things to learn, unless you are an experienced paceline rider well integrated into a particular group it's best to keep one's mouth shut and ears open.

-Bandera