scarlet,

absolutely, ride your own ride.

but if a group comes by and you can, try to jump on, it'll give you a little recovery time, especially if it's windy.

when i'm by myself on any organized ride, it seems every group or pair or single is going to say "jump on."

we really are all in this together. i've ridded with so many cool people just by joining up as they either passed me or i pulled up to them.

i like to stay with one group for a while, gage their speed (and their Fun Factor), then either break away to join the next group up the road or realize i am working too hard to stay with them and just fall off the back and enjoy riding alone for a while.

you'll do fine!!