We were fine, we're up on the hill above the Bear Creek. It was a little scary as I've never heard the emergency sirens going off in the almost 8 years I've lived here.

The group speed will vary depending on who shows up. Riders tend to fall into 2 groups. Some of the riders ride all year round so they will take off. One woman said she is coming but she will be slow, whatever that means. I ski in the winter and I'm still building my base so I will be slower. My average speed on the flats is around 13 (hard to tell with all the wind I've been riding in) and on my climb up Garrison its around 5 mph depending on how tired I am. I also have asthma so I will warm up more slowly and since I'm training for a tour my focus is time on the bike rather than speed. You may outride me. I will ride my pace and not worry about keeping up with the other riders.

Once you're out of Idaho Springs there are no turns so you can't get lost.
We tend to look out for newbies and slower riders, especially anyone unfamiliar with the route. Some will turn around at Georgetown. I want to try the new trail up to Loveland ski area.

This nice thing about a group ride like this is you will be familiar enough you can do it on your own the next time.