oh and about the group ride...i like it better cause people encourage you when you are getting tired. i went once with my husband, his brother, and two other guy friends (they all can ride longer, faster, harder, and more technical than me). we did a road ride in downtown san antonio. and we went more than my limit of 5 miles and atleast one of them hung back with me the entire way. and they pushed me to finish. and i did!! (even if i had to use my inhaler when i got back)

i enjoy group rides much more than just the two of us. i had my first group ride my second time riding!