Originally Posted by Ben Cousins
In the US, do you have any clubs that aren't racing teams, or affiliated with a shop?
Yes. All over the country. There is a national organization called the
League of American Bicyclists that does legal advocacy and helps local bike clubs get started. They have a listing on their website of local bike clubs that is searchable by state. They also have a ride schedule search page that doesn't seem to work for the rides in my area, though I know there are usually 2-3 rides scheduled each day of the week this time of year in the MInneapolis area.
In my area the recreational bike club riders are mostly an over 40 crowd, not quite retired yet and not that slow either.