Our coach tells us “if you are not moving forward, you are moving back”. When I’m in a fast ride, I’m looking for people who are letting gaps open. If a rider is in the middle of a group and the smallest gap opens, I will go around them immediately. A one bike length gap can turn into three and closing those down when you are going fast accumulates over time.
Try to pay attention to the gap in front if you. If there is no gap, it’s hard for people to ride into it.
Some time ago I asked one of the most winning Cat 1 / Pros in our area… How do you continue to stay towards the front of a group? He said it’s all confidence. If you believe you belong in the front of a group, others will see your confidence and let you ride up there. And it’s so true.
One more thing to think about. I’m always looking at how someone rides a bike. If they are rocking back and forth when an effort gets hard, that generally means trouble. If you can control your body on the bike, people will think you are under control and won’t start planning for ways to get around you.
Totally agree on the blown lights. My #1 goal when I go out on the bike is to come home on the bike. Why run lights? There is no need.