Not too much info at all, but I'm still learning the lingo ... when you say the woman your working with increased her cadence which has allowed her to stay "on top of her gear" what do you mean by "on top of her gear"?
I will try working on cadence. Also, I did notice position matters! When I'm at the back of the pack I fall off quicker...and get further behind! I only have 2 more rides with this group (it's kind of a riding "class" for 10 weeks )... If I really start slowing everyone down on the next ride I will just have to drop to a group that rides a bit slower for our last ride.