I go back and forth on this. I used to be one of the people that pushed the pace at our weekly Women's Ride (a relaxed group ride). But now that I take DD with me in the Burley, I'm one of the riders who are made to feel like we're holding everyone up. I get a lot of complaints from the less speedy women about the other women who are constantly increasing the pace.

Here's my feeling: It's a relaxed, beginner ride (period). The pace should be comfortable, maybe just a little challenging, for all the cyclists who show up. If there is a wide range of ability and there are enough people, then, perhaps, the groups should split in two before the start.