Hi,

I have to agree about the clubs mentality when they call it a slug ride.

I know first hand from Team in Training (leukemia groups), they just called it a beginners ride or something to that effect. Their first ride was only about 5 really easy miles. We watched each new rider on their comfort level in terms of riding with others close by, gear shifting, breaking cornering, getting off/on the bike... A sense of familarity with the bike and riding the bike. Few were so new that members of the club were willing to work one on one with them. I was just tagging along my friend who was a regular at the time.

Call the local club and see how far they plan to go and ask if they are checking you out on your bike and your handling ability. I think the answer will give you a good idea.

The "not dropping people" many clubs will say this but reality is pretty different. If on the first ride they drop people then chances are really really good that they do this on a regular basis.

shawn