I think most of this thread after post 1 is in direct violation of rule 1. Everyone turns this into a dick measuring contest. You're absolutely right, if the ride leader is a local who rides it all the time and tells Rider B to ride near the middle behind a few locals I can't imagine Rider B is going to say "Sure!" unless it's someone without an ego... There's a lot of folks here who don't give a shit where they ride in a group, and there's plenty of folks who will throw a hissy fit if they aren't lead or drag, so w/e. I just ride, if someone wants to pass me, pass me. but like I said, if you hit me you better hope I don't get up.