Well, one other riding buddy is a club. You can find more along the way. And you can look for a touring club- there are big ones all over- that will probably have slower rides. There is no such thing as a beginners club, since the members cease to be beginners. Even if they're too hard, show up, hang on to the back, and if you get dropped that's why you bring a cell phone and cab fare. I've done that!
The all woman rides are also usually either freinds, or part of a touring club schedule. Or a WOMBAT tea party, but I don't think you're ready for that yet .
The League of American Bicyclists is the parent orginization for touring ( as opposed to racing) clubs. Google them, maybe they can hook you up. And keep those flyers up, that shows a lot of very admirable initiative . Probably the quickest way to find riding buddies.

Lizzy