Lisa, it sounds like you are disocovering the social side of cycling, which I think it great. As an adult, I find its much harder to make friends than when we were students. However, group riding gives you an instant connection with people. I have found that I have a lot in common with people that ride, and its not just the riding we have in commin, its the kind of people that like to ride. While most of our socializing takes place on the bike, we do have holiday parties, baby showers, wedding showers, etc. As we are nearly empty nesters, I have enjoyed expanding my social circle.