It sounds like you've got a bit of performance anxiety and I can tell you that you're not alone. It's easy to feel that you're being judged by others on the bike -- afterall, the best riders are the fastest riders and they quickly move to the front. However, most of what makes a rider a good rider isn't controlled by that person -- it's genetics, childhood athletic history, etc.

Try not to stress about your abilities. How you ride a bike isn't related to your worth as a human being.

Performance anxiety can be crippling, especially in group situations. And lots of folks suffer from it. Actors get stage fright, blind dates trip up the stairs, folks in bars spill drinks, bike riders forget sunscreen!

I'll share a story. I'm a good rider. I've been leading group rides and coaching team for a long time now. But I still get nervous about being in a new situation (I'm shy by nature).

When I started riding as an adult, I'd signed up to do an AIDS Ride. Every week I would RSVP to go on group training rides and every weekend I would chicken out and just ride by myself. Sometimes I'd even show up to the training ride but not go over to the group. I was just too shy and too afraid of being judged. I finally got up the courage to join the group rides, but I was still nervous and did silly things (fell over at a rest stop and gashed my leg something fierce on my pedal).

The group I lead is a very non-threatening club. For one thing, it's all women. And I'm always surprised when someone tells me they're too intimidated to come on one of our rides. It's a good reminder to me that we all need to grow into our comfort zones.

I recommend you pick one person in the group who can become your buddy, even if it's just for the day. Focus on doing a ride with that person (not the whole group). And then, try to meet as many people as you can so you feel familiar with the group.

And remember, your life worth isn't a reflection of your ability to ride a bike!