I did try to peel off and slow down, but the people behind just followed. In heavy traffic situations and a large group, it gets pretty dangerous to try and teach people how to do a pace line or to chastise them for their lack of etiquette. I was recounting this experience as an example where everyone behind me either didn't know what they were doing or were going for the free ride.

I've ridden in packs of up to 70 people that not only knew what they were doing but were polite enough to take their turn.