Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,752
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
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I would never draft someone I don't know without letting them know that I'm on their wheel.
Generally speaking, if a single stranger passes me and I'm feeling like using them to pace, I'll follow at something like 10 bike lengths. I don't imagine that anybody could find that objectionable.
There have been times when I've been passed or come upon a group of people I don't know and they are making a good tempo. I might jump on their wheels in that case, but again, only if I let them know and they say it's OK.
And yes, I get annoyed when somebody jumps on my wheel and I don't know them. Pulling for somebody is also taking some responsibility for their safety, and I didn't volunteer for that job. Also, that person on my wheel could risk my safety (if I have to brake suddenly, I'm depending on them to be paying attention), and I don't care to risk that with random strangers.