I would agree.

I hope your GF gets better, but seriously, a CM ride for a 1st ride??? I don't think group ride and CM should be used in the same sentence. Group rides feature riders working together and looking out for each other (pointing out potholes, cracks, etc.). In my experience CM is... well I think it does the cycling community more harm than good. Maybe where you're from it's a different story, but in NYC it's a complete waste of time. Sorry to be old-man-grumpus, but I'd recommend finding some other rides.