Here's what I did:

I looked for a women's only cycling group. Found one and started showing up for rides. At first it was all I could do to hang on, and got dropped often.

After doing this for a year, I can do all but one of the regular routes without getting dropped. I go anyway, knowing I will probably get dropped, but just try to make it a little further than the last time. Sometimes I do, sometimes not. Depends on how I'm feeling and if I've recovered from a previous long/hard ride or not.

I just printed out maps and kept them with me so I was sure I knew the way back to the car. I take my phone with GPS tracking on it (Sprint Family Locator) so my husband can log in from any PC and see where I am. He knows if I'm not moving for long periods, I'm in trouble. I've only called him once to rescue me from a group ride I got dropped from.

I'm a much better cyclist for it. I'm 3-4 MPH avg faster than this same time last year.

I've learned to draft, pull, participate in a paceline, bridge a gap, climb more efficiently and bomb down descents. I've learned some great routes I wouldn't have thought of on my own.

I'm down right grumpy if I have to miss a group ride now.

I even did my first race last week (and didn't come in last!).

Riding with people better and faster than me has made me better and faster. No doubt about it.