Originally Posted by
WHOOOSSHHH...
I do the exact same thing....every once in a while I'll decide to make a pass if there pace is in the 17-18 range, and then I feel I must keep in front at all costs. I ride allot of hills in Va. and this past december was on A1A in Ft. Lauderdale heading north pacing two riders at about 19mph and holding back about 100 feet. This went on for about 5 miles. I decided I would cruise on past them and ramped it up to about 22-23. I never looked back and never slowed down, figuring I'd left them behind. After another 5 miles I took a casual look behind me and there they were. Not dropped, and looking fresh as a daisy. Sped up a little more, figuring my hill riding in Va. would help me at least stay ahead of these flatland riders. About a minute later they passed me giving me that upward nod of the head and little smile....Everything I had, and dropped like a bad penny...Was still fun, and a way better workout than I would have had..

You "took a pull", so to speak. You got in front and they got into your draft, saving themselves energy while you punched a hole through the wind.
That is, if they stayed close enough.
Not really a bad thing as long as everyone knows what they're doing. Cyclists riding together will often take turns at the front.