Thanks, all.

Owlie, I take the old mountain bike and drop it into low gear and spin it out at about 100+rpm. I'm thinking if I go with her again I need to take the 40 pound steel vintage bike!! I'm sure she feels intimidated, but I've been very careful (I think) about never making critical comments on her speed. I've given her two or three technique hints (drop to a lower gear and spin up those slight inclines!!) but I've tried hard to be polite. I don't want to make her feel unknowledgeable, but once she actually put her helmet on backwards 8-O

I agree with Jo-n-NY that she sort of overstated her abilities in the first place. If it was really just a "social" ride, I'd understand, but she addressed this as "exercise". If it's exercise, keep those legs moving, girlfriend!

She's not a close friend, but she's the only other woman on the block that I know. I'd like to remain "friendly" if not "friends". My biggest concern is that after our little snit this morning, if I bow out of riding with her she might see it as due to that, rather than to our riding differences.

I wish I could find a suitable riding partner. It would be so nice... I'm going to have to check craigs list or something.