Hi - let me say up front, I am a guy.

I'm on the TE mailing list to pass on information, tips, etc. from this great site to people in my class - I'm a certified Spinning instructor, and I teach at woman-only club in Colorado. I'm also studying to be a USA Cycling coach.

With that said, I hope I'm not intruding. I hope I can help.

First, ignore that idiot who knocked your speed. Remember this - everyone was an absolute beginner at some point. He'll get his - karma comes around. I believe it's your duty as a human to help people improve, and not make anyone feel bad for trying something new.

To get used to your pedals, ride on a grass field and clip in and out a lot. If you fall, it won't hurt (as much). The big difference between clipless pedals on a mountain bike vs. a road bike is how frequently you get in and out of your pedals. On a mountain bike, you might get in and out 20, 30 times per ride, so you get proficient, fast. On a great road ride, hopefully you keep going and going, and you just don't clip out as often. I've actually forgotten and crashed into my own car. You just need practice.

On your group rides, as long as you don't lock up your brakes, or overlap your front wheel with the rear wheel of the rider in front of you, you will be just fine. Soon enough, you will be able to ride so close to someone you can check the time on their watch - and grab a drink.

I would ask why you want to stand - as a few others have mentioned, you should use your gears and keep your cadence high (80-100 rpm). The easiest gear combination is smallest chainring up front, biggest cog in the back.

Spinning was also mentioned - but here's how to do it: in that grass field again, shift to an easy gear combination. Click in to your pedals, and as your left foot reaches the bottom of the stroke, pretend you're trying to "scrape the gum", as Angie mentioned, off the bottom of your shoe. Repeat on your right leg. If you do it right, you'll feel it in your hamstrings. As you get stronger, you will be able to push down on your right leg, and pull with your left (and vice versa).

I would also recommend yoga, for 2 reasons. It will help alleviate the tightening of your legs due to the riding and make you more flexible, and it will increase your dynamic leg strength. Also consider weight training (moderate weight with higher reps) for your lower body.

Lastly, find a Spinning class. It's a safe environment - you won't fall, no cars, potholes, etc., and it will really improve your climbing ability.

Hope that helps, and thanks for reading. Again, I apologize if this is viewed as an intrusion.