I'm doing the Houston to Austin MS150 this weekend. The images - 1 ice cold beer in La Grange,then 1 ice cold beer and a big juicy steak in Austin. This thread has replaced those with the images and sounds of people drafting with no return, and their gasp and grunts when I finally lose them in the hills (hopefully).

42x16 you got the answer even in your ID. Next time, just look back and ask, and they don't take lead, there are two choices, Just say
a) You sure you want to ride behind someone without brakes?
or
b) When you get onto your bike related forum of choice, mention that you were slower than someone on a fixed gear bike. <<<playing at how some think us fixed geared riders are lesser forms of cyclist.
or
c) Wink at them and ask for their number. EDIT: no wait that might backfire on you.