Originally Posted by
ladyraestewart
I believe I have long since left the beginner category and possibly even the intermediate. From the ride descriptions I feel confident saying that since they talk about six to 15 mile rides that take from one to three hours. However, when I read the information or inquire about the more advanced rides going between 25 and as many as 60 miles, I feel I am not there yet or get told outright, we prefer you not join our ride as you will never keep up.
I would say that is optimistic. You've built up some conditioning and can do long rides, but one person's definition of beginning or intermediate isn't the same as another's. I've been riding for 6 months now and if I was going to do a group ride I'd be asking about average speeds and type of terrain. I average 17mph solo on rolling terrain (lower with more climbs) so a group ride at 18mph on similar terrain is probably something I'd be able to hang with. If they are doing 18mph with lots of climbs I'd be dropped. Remember, that's an average so they might climb hills at 10mph and descend at 30mph.
Also, a 50 mile ride in 4 hours (assuming that's mostly all moving time and not stopped for lunch for an hour) is not going to be a pace that will keep you with an 18mph group unless you did lots of climbing and they are doing all flats. Again, it's type of terrain, conditions (windy) and distance all rolled into one. If they say ride X is an 18mph average pace that is probably a mid to upper level group and if you don't think you can maintain that pace then you are not yet mid to upper level.
Do one of their begging rides. If it's too easy then you know you can move up. If you do one that's too hard you'll get dropped and won't learn much - except that it was too hard.