Welcome, happysurfer! Don't know if you are anywhere near the South Bay, but the PV Bike Chicks is a pretty cool group and they've been having rides at all levels. I just did a nice mellow ride with them yesterday, averaged somewhere around 12 mph.
The best way to get in touch with them is to contact PV Bicycle Center (http://pvbike.com/) and have them put you on the mailing list. There's a facebook page for them too.