I too went on my first group ride with women who were very patient. I was nervous as well, Coyote. We flew down the steep hill with traffic zipping past us, and they were pedalling to go even faster. I was cruising w/o pedaling and going a bit over 30mph with much more traffic zipping past than I had encountered when riding in my area.

They could hear traffic behind them all the time without looking. I could not! Two were training for a race and two stayed with me. I had no trouble with the climbs, but the first descent was at the edge of my comfort zone to be sure.

Their bike skills were awesome. Mine are not! Being a beginner, I am not yet able to take my hands off my bike to signal, so I was sandwiched in between two gals. How do I learn to do this? Any classes or bike courses I could take? I have been riding my road bike since July and its way different than my hybrid which I use for trails.

I did have a great time and we all went out to eat afterwards. But I need to improve big time!