Thanks guys. As always, I've gotten a lot of info and now need to figure out the best way to put it into action. I think what I'll do is take the next few weeks, while it's still cold anyway, and do 5-6 rides during the day on the trainer. They'll be short and with more intensity than I do now so that when I do go back out on the road, I am a bit faster. Hopefully fast enough to keep up on a group ride since that is my goal. If not, at least I'll be able to keep up for a few minutes, then a few minutes more, then a few more. I know riding with others brings out my competitive spirit and really pushes me.