Welcome! Might help if you generally tell us where you are. Most states treat bikes as vehicles (except for limited access roads - e.g. highways - and that isn't true in all states). So - yes, you can generally bike on the road even if there's not a bike lane (we didn't even bring out bikes to Hilton Head because I made the mistake of looking at the laws and seeing the "if there is a bike path you muse use it" requirement).

As far as groups - we might know. You could also ask a local bike shop - sometimes they have show and go rides, or know who does.

CA