It's not my intention to hijack this thread. I just thought that there was no need for another thread with an identical title.
Today was MY first group ride. I really enjoy riding solo and had been putting off hooking up with a group. If I had known how much fun it was going to be I would have done it much sooner.
First, the group was a fantastic bunch of people. There were no attitudes and everybody was friendly and easy to get along with.
The route itself was really great. We did just under 40 miles of rolling hills in about 3 hours, with one refreshment stop of about 15 minutes. My computer said we averaged 16.4 mph while moving.
Near the beginning of the ride we rode through a not-yet-finished industrial complex. The roads within that complex are freshly paved and essentially closed to automobile traffic. What a blast to have a few miles of roads like that to ourselves. After we got through that complex we were on to the surface roads.
The entire ride took place in upstate NY, just south of Saratoga Springs. We crossed the Hudson River twice, once on the way out and we used a different bridge on the way back. The nominal destination was a reservoir. As it turns out, we didn't even stop there, but got to ride the shoreline for a while. Absolutely beautiful.
We didn't encounter too much automobile traffic, and indeed much of the time we had the place to ourselves. The ride leader did some significant planning to keep us on such safe and enjoyable roads.
It was overcast the entire time, with temperatures in the low 50's and almost no wind. I thought the weather and riding conditions were optimal. Everyone seemed dressed for the weather. I agreed with another rider that if it was sunny we all might be a bit warm. I also pointed out that the sun tends to wash out the colors of the foliage, so the cloudy skies actually enhance the leaf-peeking.
As far as the speed and pacing, I kept up just fine. As far as riding with the group, I tried to blend in and stay out of the way. I swore to myself I'd stay to the back and not be aggressive. I think I succeeded in not being aggressive, but I kept edging up toward the front. With my riding style, that's where I seemed to end up. Understand that there really wasn't a pace line or close drafting. Like I said, everyone was cool and everyone moved up and back from time to time.
One time we started a decent climb and I didn't want to remain at the back of the pack. I pulled out pushed past the mid section of the pack. I don't think I was obnoxious. The only time I actually took the lead was on one 40mph+ downhill. I wasn't pedaling at all, just in an aero tuck. I guess my ~200 lbs had me descending faster than the others. I was having too much fun to hit the brakes.
All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better first group ride. The people, the route, the weather, everything was great. That same cycling club sponsors several group rides each week. I think I might have to try another, and soon.