I'm actually planning on joining a group ride this Saturday (30th) that is a Potomac Pedalers Ride. I haven't joined yet, but a friend of mine who is in the club said to go try a few rides with them and see what I think. If I like them, then join.

It starts at Belle Haven Picnic Area, which is right off the GW Parkway. The rides are 24 mi, 29 mi, 32 mi and 38 miles. The groups are C/CC/B/BB. You can check out what those mean at their website.

Here's the link to the 30th schedule:

http://www.bikepptc.org/ride_schedul....html#Nov30Sat

it's the Charles Cushman Memorial Ride... you'll need to scroll back up to Nov. 2nd to see the detailed description. And if you scroll up past that, you'll see the description of the rider classifications (C/CC/B/BB,etc.). I think I fit into the CC group pretty good, so I'll probably be doing the 29 mile ride. It's got a few hills on it.

This would make a good alternative to the 55 mile ride.

PBW