this is my perspective...

20-25 miles IS considered a beginner's level because in the whole picture 20 miles is not that long of a ride, especially for a group. i don't mean any discouragement or hurt for you. i only mean it in a literal sense. if a cyclist cannot go more than 25 miles then he/she *probably* won't have the amount of time in the saddle, group riding skills, handling skills, etc. - to be able to safely and properly ride within a group setting.

i think 20 or 25 mile rides are an honest distance for a beginner's ride. if that is too much for you then wait a little bit before you get into it. time will only help you.