Originally Posted by
Doge
I don't like strangers riding on my wheel, and I don't jump into groups. I appreciate them asking, and sometimes awkwardly oblige, but I don't like it.
Not asking is plain rude, and can be dangerous.
-You are more likely to get in an accident riding with those of unknown and different ability. One person's casual talking speed is another on-the-rivet speed.
-There is an implied responsibility of the rider/s in front to point things out/ride a particular line
-If you are in dialog with someone, you may/may not want someone else listening in.
-If you are truly training, in TT mode, there are wind and other factors that play by having someone on your wheel.
This. Drafting someone is essentially following too closely, which if done in a car is illegal because it is dangerous. In a group ride, there's an implicit understanding that you are going to be doing this and people behave accordingly. Doing it to a stranger without asking is both rude and dangerous IMO.