lots of good tips here...now my $0.02

does this ride begin with some tips and instructions? (arm signals, communication skills, paceline ettiquite, drafting) if not ask tom (one of the lbs workers) if he would not mind meeting early to go over these things with you? he seems to be willing to abide by the "no drop" rule...i would say ...go for it!

i personally have issues in pacelines (mental monsters)...but i am going 20-25 mph...hubby is trying to accept the fact i will never be a true roadie (i LOVE dirt!!!!) but i can hang with a bunch if i hafta! just remember...we all started somewhere and it is never a stupid question...and we were all nervous once too!!!

btw...if it is a now drop beginners ride you will probably have a few stops on the way so i would not worry about the distance...soon you will be riding beyand 20 miles without a second thought!!!

good luck...have fun...and may the wind be at your back (at least for the 1st group ride...hehe)