Oh my...(((hugs))) to you! I totally get it.

I went out something like your last ride w/a guy pal mtb. Omg, my body was in so much pain in ways my docs advised me against. All in the effort to 'keep up'. Totally failed. The worst pain came from sobbing so hard on the vehicle ride home. My soul was just crushed.

Thus, I just stayed riding alone post that. Was killing my will in ways too. Out of the blue... I run into an old aquaint that tells me she took up cycling. The group rides didn't work for her. Her DH is a hammer-head... they can't ride together as a couple etc.

Our first ride together had to be the best ride I've ever had since I re-found my love for a bike.

Before that, I have literally thought about starting my own ladies riding group thru my gym. Or just posting a bullentin board note somewhere for a pal to train for my first century. This is outta my ride pal's relm training wise for this season.

Do these hammerhead guys have any GFs etc. that need ride pals?

Food... I like Lara bars as a take along for food. Recently I have found that Club Crackers work great before a ride and post. I know that's not very high tech. But, they are salty. They are carbs. Digest easily. I mean really... I'd never thought a dumb lil salty cracker could work such wonders for me on hydration.

Chin up, GF... you are not alone!