I ride by myself more than I ride with groups. A group that I rode with a little last year was not fun. They rode in areas where there were too many cars, too many traffic lights, bad roads (potholes) and some of the people in the group didn't know how to keep a line or pay attention when people stopped suddenly in front of them. Eventually I stopped riding with them because I would be in so much pain from the 35 mile rides due to the jerky, sudden stopping and really bumpy, messed up roads.

So...I think I'm pretty good at riding solo (thus used to pulling my own weight and not drafting off of others), but I think next season I'll ride with another group to get my speed up and learn the ropes. On flat terrain with little wind I think I can maintain about 19-20 MPH by myself consistently. Of course I'll have short bouts of 22 or 23 MPH, but as far as holidng a speed, it's closer to 19 or 20. It's not great, but it's a start. I'm small (5 ft tall. 110 lbs) and sometimes I feel like my short legs limit me. Plus I have 650c wheels. Are any of these things going to put me at a disadvantage riding with taller or bigger riders? Hill climbing seems to be something I am good at because I am pretty light and have somewhat muscular legs. Even when I am tired, it's almost like I have a "booster" switch in my quads that kicks in and allows me to charge up a hill. I'm sure most experienced riders could still pass me with no problem, but at least I have something to work with.

Right now since it's Winter in Michigan, I'm spending my time on the trainer. Does anyone have any favorite trainer drills? I'm using Spinervals here and there.