In the case of my story, I don't think the pace was supposed to let up; but I eased up due to my confusion over what the dudes in front of me were actually doing. Couldn't tell if they were pulling off, easing up, joining the "breakaway", or what...

And then that dude started screaming. Too much of that kind of attitude on the ride lately; I'm definitely not going back.

It also speaks to the broader issues/hazards of being a bike shop owner. Sure, the shop owner doesn't control the ride he sponsors, but I go to the shop a lot less (and I mean a LOT less) since I don't go to the ride now. I wonder how many others are chased away in similar fashion? The behavior of the people on the shop ride is possibly negatively impacting their sales, which is the exact opposite of what it is intended to do.