Originally Posted by
CommuteCommando
+1
I have often had rides where I hop scotched for several mile with another rider. One bike length is not rude, and the wind breaking only starts to drop off significantly beyond this point. I would never get right on the wheel of someone I do not know, more for my own safety than for their fragile sensibilities.
I usually blow people away or get blown away. Rare will I or someone else catch up to each other and then ride at the same speed from that point forward. When it happens, it's usually like how you describe: one bike length or side by side.