I suppose if we all left together we could have rode the entire ride together since I am used to 30+ mile rides every weekend. Since dude insulted my baby and they left 6-7 minutes earlier than I did I had to play catchup. The well timed traffic light was my only chance to make a pass, but if there was no light, I would have caught up to them anyway since I was already gaining on them. I doubt I could have passed them since they were riding in drafting positions and holding a good line, but I did catch up on my own.
Next event I will find a group and ride with them.