Originally Posted by
livedarklions
If they're wearing matching jerseys and riding their road bikes in a coordinated manner that would indicate that they were training, I would think that asking if they mind if I ride with them on my mountain bike would be a rather silly question. Of course they'll mind. It would be like trying to hop into the boat of a crew team.
That said, if he's just following them at a distance, there's no real reason to ask.
Back in the late 80s a rag tag bunch of we locals rode behind 7-11, and later Coor's Lite, the day before the U.S. Pro Cycling Championship. What a thrill. We kept our mouths shut and kept at a safe enough distance. The teams were in a group and we were stretched out in a long line behind them desperately trying to keep up as they rode effortlessly while chatting.