Originally Posted by
mattm
It depends.
The strong will ride their own pace, perhaps faster than others. Or maybe they'll rest while others are hurting and just spin up.
The weak will turn themselves inside out and die a thousand deaths before the top, hoping to keep the peloton in sight. The really weak will be dropped immediately and call it a day.
Anyway, bunches will form naturally, you won't have to think too much about it.
Also try to be near the front at the bottom. That way if you do start falling behind, you can keep within pack longer. Also you won't have to go around riders that are dropping off themselves and gapping.