The groups around here run the gamut from hammer down all the way, nothing so much as an introduction to everyone in the group, to social, 10-12 mph. 25 mile rides with a rest/coffee stop halfway and dinner afterwards.

The only way for me to find out how different groups operate was to ride with all of them and now I can pick my group rides based on how I feel that day.

I like to be somewhat social, but if people are too busy talking to realize that they are riding four abreast on a city road, then I get frustrated.

Last night I got spanked on a ride with a new group. But it was probably good for me.