Quote Originally Posted by jenniferh View Post
I've been riding for a while, but the hubby and I joined a cycling club near our house and we're going on their newbie group ride this weekend. It will probably be about 20 mi (the group decides together when we get there) so I'm not worried about the distance.

What do I need to know to be successful? I've never ridden in a group before.
Communication is the key.
If you guys are new to the group, make sure that you tell them that you have never ridden in a group before.
There's a pretty good turnover in cycling teams and clubs. Most group see new people that are just 'new to them' but already know what they are doing and can get involved in the work right away, so they may assume you know what to do already. Conversely, if you do tell them that it is your first time, the rest of the people will very likely shelter you guys for the first couple of times.
Most likely they will give you advice, help with the rotations and maybe do some of your share if you get tired, help you back in the group if you get dropped, etc. If you are both new to group rides and the group has a few experienced people, chances are they will actually assign a couple of them to you guys for the first one or two rides, just to make sure you are fine.

Something you and your hubby can do to make the ride more fun and more safe (!) is to learn a bit about close contact and pacelines. This is what I notice most in people that are on the first group ride: many do not know how to ride in a paceline, and get nervous when other cyclists get close.
You do not need a big group to get a bit of practice, just the two of you is enough to get started. So if you have some time before the weekend, find a place away from the trafic and practice riding close to each other and rubbing shoulders, sort of. Try on soft terrain at first, just for added safety. And give a try to taking rotations, short or long, and to keeping it tight. What you learn in your practice time will pay off once you are on the group ride - it takes the nervousness away and you can enjoy your ride while you learn more.

At 16-18mph alone, you can probably be comfortable on a group ride that averages 20-22mph, even a bit more if the paceline is tight and you are well protected. You will be more than fine and have a lot of fun.
Again, if they know that you guys are new, they will expect you to save some energy during the pulls (go more aero) even if that leaves some work for the second guy in the line, and will stand up to allow you to relax when they are pulling you. Normal courtesy to new riders... Likewise, if you have to change clothing, eat, drink, do whatever - they will likely keep you at the back sheltered so you don't have to spend the extra pedaling energy while taking care of nutrition etc.

Water, food, more water, more food...
From what you mentioned this ride is double your usual distance, so take extra nutrition - a good guess would be double the usual nutrition that you normally bring along, and then add some extra for 'emergencies'.
If you normally only bring water, then double the amount of water, and then bring an extra small bottle filled with ice and put it in your jersey pocket. I'm in TX too and occasionally I see some cyclist that has to stop due to overheating. The little cold cushion on the midsection will feel nice at mid-day when it's 100+ degrees: lowers core temperature and then comes in handy if the ride plans change and you need an extra drink
Also put some food in your pockets - something that will give you a quick burst of energy but will not melt and cause a mess in your jersey. No snickers bars leave those for the winter... but yes to trail mix, dried fruit (dried figs, pears, apricots, banana, papaya, pineapple), fresh bananas, or commercial sports nutrition like gels, blocks, etc. If you have the patience to prepare them, you can make sandwiches and cut them up in small pieces that you wrap separately and put in your pockets.

Ah, this brings back good memories... my sister used to make some sandwiches with salty seasoned prosciutto, and some with nutella - soooo yummy... It's too bad that I'm lazy and cannot work that much in the kitchen before a ride...

Most important - have fun! Riding with other people is very entertaining, you make new friends, learn, get more fit in the process, and get to see wonderful places. It's all good