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!