I'm following Velodiva's example and announcing who's on what side; Cap'n Chris seems to appreciate it, and it's a not-so-subtle reminder to the passer that they need to announce themselves. So far no one has apologized, in fact, they seem to think that's my job as stoker (wrong forum, I know, but I'm over 50, so WTH).

Last week in our surprisingly fast Thursday club ride we were attempting to paceline; as we were dropping back from the lead position a rogue rider came up between us and the paceline. Not only did he not announce, he bumped into Chris's elbow, causing our tandem to bobble; the stoker became excited (one, because she hates being passed; two, because she didn't see the bump and thought the captain was being flaky. Wrong!). That guy lost style points big-time -- too bad we never saw him again so the stoker could remediate his poor etiquette.

Rudeness chaps me worse than ill-fitting shorts.