I ride with guys all the time. There are all levels of guys, however. I can beat some of them, but my husband is not one of them. He is very strong. My main training partner is one of my best girlfriends. Works out wonderfully. We are pretty close to the same level, though she outrides me on most hills over 3% and either waits for me at the top or knows I'll catch her on the downhill.

As for my hubby, he does his "real" training rides alone or with his "possey", as I call them! Various fast guys he rides with. He does do some "recovery" rides with me or rides where he's okay with not going his top speed. Yet, depending on the ride, he can still get a decent workout if he's the one pulling the whole time, which is typical. (Do you understand the concept of pulling and drafting? Might want to wait on that one until you have road bikes.) Anyway, he might ride in his hardest gear sometimes or work on standing for long periods to work on different muscles. Or not worry about riding easy until we get to a hill and then kill the hill and wait for me at the top.

There are ways for riders of various levels to work together and, yes, riding with stronger riders makes you stronger. Most of the people I ride with are stronger, so I ought to know! I bet you'll find a way to make it work with your dad. I think it's awesome you guys are going to ride together.

Have fun!!!