40+yo Out-of-State Asian Trying the LA Pasadena Montrose Ride

The Montrose Ride is arguably the largest Saturday ride in SoCal. Justin Willimas from Team LA Legion regularly comes to this ride and he finished in the front with the roadies. And yes he dropped me with less than 2km to go. The ride starts with 80+ riders, then some more joined in during the ride. Most riders are dropped throughout the climb sections. A competitive racer is not likely to get dropped in any flat sections as there's hardly any massive attacks done. Purple guys did some but they were easy to react. But the ride has a long heart attack 3-5% climb in the end that lasted 7-8 minutes long. Given the speed they are going, any non-climber is likely to end it in that last section (on or before Grandview)