Quote Originally Posted by agl1975
What do you do if you can't keep up? Or if the group is too slow?
It depends on what kind of ride it is. Some will have a ride leader who "leads from the rear" and stays with the slowest rider. Some want social rides where the group stays together (no one zooms ahead). Generally the ride leader will state his/her preference.

I always feel awkward riding with groups because I am *very* slow (at least climbing) and I really feel bad when I'm the slowest one (though I have been within the advertised pace). I never want anyone to *have* to wait on me I feel like they're not having fun if they're "looking after" me.

That's probably the biggest reason I don't ride with groups all that often. It's also the reason I'm hesitatant to "bump up" a pace. My computer tells me I average between 14 and 15 usually (with a rare 16 on flats), but I'm afraid I will hold up a C pace ride (14-16).

Gotta love group dynamics...