Personally, I don't see a problem with the period and peeing issues. If you have to use a restroom, then you just tell them that you have to stop...period (no pun intended). Certainly, if one of the guys had to pee or poop, they wouldn't hesitate to stop...so I don't see why they wouldn't afford you the same option. I've ridden many a ride while on my period...it's not a big deal. If it's a heavy day, I wear a super plus tampon, bring an extra or two with me and don't worry about it. When I feel like I need to change it (which is usually the same time I need to pee anyway), I just holler out to my two male riding companions, that I need to stop at the next gas station.

As for keeping up with the guys...that's a tricky one. I ride with 2 guys - one is my husband who is a fast rider, the other is a friend who is only slightly slower than my husband...so needless to say, I'm either behind them both always trying to "catch up"...OR...they adjust their riding speed to accommodate MY pace (which is generally the case). Every now and then during a longer ride, they'll both take off like lunatics for a mile or so...which I don't mind. Boys need to stroke their egos every so often in a ride...so I let them play their little "racing games"...eventually they'll slow up so I can catch them.