Just be careful until you get some miles under your belt. Your bike is not going to handle the same way in corners, or even on the straights, as it will when you're on the hoods, or even on the drops. The reason why they're frowned upon in group rides is you're not as maneuverable if someone swings out to avoid a pothole, or some other obstruction. Most clubs allow bikes with them to participate in group rides, but prohibit riding on them unless you're pulling at the head of a paceline.