Wow thanks for the all the good replies. It's nice to know it's not just me.

It is a no-drop ride. The only person who doesn't drop you is Max, though. lol.

On the first ride, I was slower than a lady on a hybrid who hadn't ridden since last year. (I wasn't that slow next time--or she else wasn't there so I couldn't tell!) There's this one long slow hill that I just can't get up fast, and that's where I fell behind both times. And it's been really hot--I usually ride when it's less than 80, so I hope as time goes on I'll be able to anticipate that hill and adapt to the hotter temperatures (I wish the ride started at 7:00 instead of 10:00.)

I think I'm just going to expect to be dropped by the larger group, and ride my ride with Max, and hope some other newbies show up. I wish Max would be more assertive at the beginning about protecting the newbies from that "being left in the dust" feeling. Maybe I'll say something after I get to know him better.

Thanks, y'all!

Karen