We went on a 30 mile ride with the group I rode with last summer. They are part of a local cyclfing club known for very fast rides, but this group is older and wiser (but very good riders). The ride started in our town center and was described as 2 groups; one fast , going 45 miles and a slower group going 30 miles. Since we didn't care about speed and had errands to do later, we chose the slower group. It turned out that the "fast" group was really just people who ride like I do and the leader tried to convince us to come along, but there's always a next time.
It was great, about 45 degrees and some good wind gusts. I started out with my new lobster gloves, which felt very weird. I could only shift with my index finger. But, I took them off after riding to the meeting place and put on my lighter weight full gloves. I was dressed right for once, too. A wool blend medium jersey and my windbreaker. I just had to unzip a little as we rode. We went on lots of streets off of my after work loop that is mostly on main roads. I will be able to have some variety next spring! The ride actually went up our street, a pretty long hill loop near the end, so we just peeled off, and went up our driveway.
We decided that we will probably join this club. The leader asked us to lead some rides, after we helped out with a few issues with different riders. We will still lead for AMC, but this group has more rides and a different vibe.