What we have here is a failure to communicate! Sorry you had a bad ride. It does happen. Sounds like a great ride with studded tires, but too slick for regular tires.

Sounds like your expectations did not match with the club's intentions. Maybe the ride leader decided to skip it because of the road conditions (a reasonable decision!), leaving folks like you and others searching for a leader. Maybe it was more casual ride--without a ride leader--than you understood it to be. And maybe the club leaders dropped the ball.

I guess my take is that no matter what the ride, each rider must be prepared to take care of themselves. That means maps (even if not provided), phones, clothes, food, tools, lights...So while I understand your frustration, I also figure that anyone who would go on a ride should have a back up plan in case things don't work out as planned.

Glad you got home safely. How were the lights?