What do you think...should I give this group ride a try?

[spokewench]

Jolt: Everyone is a newbie at some time. Most remember this and understand this when another newbie comes along. Most cyclist are very supportive. If they aren't, their loss, certainly nothing to be embarrassed about on your part!
Now, the person that might be negative to a newbie, that might be something to be worried about on their part!

[indysteel]

I say go. You'll likely have a great time.

One of our local shops has a similar ride and my guess is that your ride is geared to beginners. That said, ask the people at the shop how fast you're expected to be able to go and whether there's a "no drop" policy. Again, my guess is that don't leave anyone behind. Once you're there, don't be afraid to ask questions about group riding etiquette. Most cyclists are more than happy to help. Once the ride begins, just be cautious and observant and you'll do just fine.

Have fun!

[7rider]

Some questions to ask the shop:
Is there a waiver you need to sign to join (danged lawyers!)?
Do they have a cue-sheet or map you can look at?
How many folks take part in the ride?
Is the ride broken into groups based on speed?
Is it a "no drop" ride that someone on a hybrid is welcome to join?
Is there someone riding sweep to be sure no one gets left behind?
Do they encourage newbies and work on group riding and skill building?
I agree - a 12 mile ride doesn't sound like it would be a race training ride, so I would imagine you'd do fine on it.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[KSH]

Call and ask all the wonderful questions the ladies posted above.

Otherwise... since it's only 12 miles... I would bet that it's a beginners ride. Most rides for people who cycle on a regular basis start at 20 miles and go up from there.

[Zen]

I went to my LBS last night for a fix a flat clinic and was asked to join their Thursday night ride. I asked if they had a class D ride . Everyone is welcome, you'll be fine. GO!

[Jolt]

Well, I called the shop and asked for more info. They said the speed is about 14 mph and they "wait up for everyone", and that I should be fine as long as I do these kinds of distances "regularly". I wouldn't say "regularly", but I did do 16 or 17 miles this past Sunday and was fine, and have had days where I've done about 12 miles total while running errands, and I think my usual average speed is about 12 mph but it's hard to say because there are a lot of stoplights/intersections holding me up sometimes and that throws off the average. So it sounds do-able (I hope--my concern is with the speed) and if the weather looks good this Monday night I may show up. If so, I'll be sure to post a ride report!

[Geonz]

Oh, and editing again after reading your post about being passed: that guy may be doing a "low-key" ride (but wiht a little sprint because they ... ahem, we ...*do* that to pass people... bet you dollars to donuts he slowed down right after be blew by you). YES, the bike and especially the underinflated 38 tires make a HUGE difference.

When I switched from 35 to 28 tires, it was an instant 2 mph.

14 mph is pretty fast to do on a hybrid with 38 tires. THe other little piece of reality is that usually (not always) if somebody says they go 14... well, they do. Except whenthey're going 15 or 17. And ... the stark reality is they tend to say "you'll be fine," because it's really hard to tell somebody "oh, I don't think you'll be able to keep up with us."
- and did the person you were talking to know the bike you are riding?
"Low Key" is a totally, totally relative term.
I have years of experience being an I-can-go-the-distance hybrid rider, but could not keep up speed wise with the guys on the road bikes - and that was with 32's and 28, not 38s. I ended up forming my own group... and getting a lot stronger on my own, and then getting a much lighter, faster hybrid (which is wonderful because it still looks like a hybrid but I *can* average 17 or 18 on it).
I would try to find a way to inconspicuously size up their group before making an appearance. If they look like those guys in the Hot Mail thread, especially with the fancy gear, then the odds are it'll be an uneven match. THey'll prob'ly wait up for you (but not necessarily). And... sometimes the "12 mile" trip part is bogus too - especially a show & go because by definition there are no rules.
On the third hand, though... if they're like my buddies in Richmond... not only will they ride with you at your speed, they will do it so smoothly- you won't ever be at the end - that you will not even realize they usually go faster until later. It really all depends who's out there.