Have literally led hundreds of rides with our club in the past 30-some years; most of those on our tandem.
Always made it a point that we would supply route sheet/map and we would lead from the rear, making sure anyone needing assistance would get it from us as we would be tail-end-charlie.
Have also ridden many rides as participants, in which case we would ride the average pace; if it was a really fast paced ride, we'd do our share of the pulling x 2.
In a group ride, the emphasis is on 'group' . . . not blow he ride apart!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem