Just a couple more things about group rides...

Last year when I first started riding, I jumped right in and did a women's group ride about a month after I bought my bike. I was so nervous that someone had to tell me "okay, get on your bike." Everyone was very encouraging, and they all waited at the tops of the big hills until the last rider caught up and then waited longer so that last rider could catch her breath before starting up again. I find that this is pretty common in women's group rides around here, especially if it is aimed at beginner riders.

Try to learn about the etiquitte of the group you're riding with before the start of the ride. I remember one ride where the leader kept taking off at a pace that nobody else could keep up with. Once she explained that she was doing intervals, and that she would come back to the group in between her sets, everyone was okay with that and we knew she wasn't going to leave us on some unfamiliar route.

Group rides can definitely push you beyond your comfort zone, which is a great thing if you're trying to improve your cycling. Or they can just be social gatherings on wheels. This is where the A,B,C ratings come in handy!

One thing I don't think anyone has mentioned yet is that group rides are a great way to meet new friends who share your passion. I've met more interesting people in the past year through cycling than any other avenue.

Don't be afraid to try the group ride. There's nothing like cruising along in a peleton and thinking "this is so cool." And if it's a group of all women-- then all the better!

cheers,
kate