Originally Posted by Zaskar

Oh but wait... the guys in the tour are exponentially better at this. As rough as the back of a pro peloton is, we mortals have it worse. Amateurs are much worse at being smooth, anticipating lifts in the pace...

in my first road race (been riding forever), I watch several guys brake so hard they skidded. Two guys went off into the grass/field. These were separate occasions. At one point, I yelled "Guys, relax. It's a Saturday morning group ride. You've done this before." That got a few chuckles, a few "no #$&@. come on guys... " All that from the accordion.