Originally Posted by
Ygduf
There is no way to know until you try.
See people you want to ride with on the road? Ask if you can tag along for a bit. Enjoy it? Ask them for their number/contact. Seriously, talking to girls can be hard, but talking to people on bike shouldn't be. If they are jerks, **** them, you were riding your ride anyway.
Most shop rides seem to have regroups along the way, so if you fall off to give people space on a descent, you'll regroup eventually. I've never had anyone complain when I want to give them room because -I'm- a weak descender and want the margin for error.
True and funny.
The point about shops is good also. Obviously, the LBS would love to sell you a bike but they should welcome all interested riders; they become customers. My LBS even put together a ride for the casual cyclists on cruisers.
I don't think catching on with a group is
verboten but you should announce your presence and ask if it's OK to join in.