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Okay, I'm going to just toss in that it depends on the group. SOunds like DH's group isn't the right one.
If you're afraid you'll feel alone, connect with somebody or accept that you'll feel alone (it probably isn't fatal for one bike ride). I'd say "if it isn't for you, then don't go back" except that even the same weekly group ride can be very different on different nights, so I would psych myself to try it, say, three times before making a decision.
Thank you to everyone who replied. You all really boosted my confidence. I didn't go last night. I already had a pilates class scheduled so I went to that while DH went on the ride.
We talked it over last night and I'm going to go next Wednesday. I'll meet up with the girls and DH is going to tag along for the first ride to help boost my confidence and give me encouraging words throughout the ride. I'm super excited and nervous all at the same time.
I'll post next Thursday and let you all know how it went. I'm going to ride tomorrow morning and then after that give my legs a break so that they are fresh for next week. :)
Once again....thank you all so much!
Since you've already made your decision--BRAVA by the way--I just want to add some encouragement.
I was in a similar situation. I'm no generally a "joiner," but after talking to a woman I met while cycling solo on a local trail, I was persuaded to just check out the local Saturday morning club ride. Like 7Rider's club, ours has a faster and a slower group--mostly women and older folks--so I didn't have to worry about keeping up with riders who were way out of my league. I couldn't do the distance of even the slower group the first day, but they stopped and talked with me when I decided I had to turn around. They were all enormously encouraging and told me to keep at it and eventually the distance would come.
Know what? They were right! And that's still the group I ride with. We do anywhere from 30- to 55-mile rides on Saturday mornings and try to fit in one or two shorter rides during the week. I would NEVER have achieved this kind of mileage riding on my own. And while I'm no speed demon--nor do I care to be--my speed has increased too. AND, lots of people in our club never stand on a climb.
Maybe the best thing is that I've made some great new cycling friends--nice bonus!
Have a great group ride and keep us posted on your results!
I think you should give it a try. Group riding can be really fun--if you find the right group.
I would add this to the clipless pedal "issue." On one hand, I agree that you should do what makes you feel comfortable. On the other, I think there's something to be said for feeling confident unclipping and stopping with just foot in an emergency. I can think of a number of times that I've had to unclip and stop in a real hurry, i.e., without really even thinking about it. From that standpoint, I would encourage you to practice unclipping with just one foot. Always make it the same foot and I assure you that it will, in time, become second nature. I'd suggest going to a parking lot or quiet park and just doing it over and over again.