Originally Posted by
Will Goes Boing
If this is your first group ride I would suggest that you do NOT draft. The last thing you'd want to do is take out somebody or worse a bunch of people in the group. Also if the longest you have ever ridden is 16 miles, don't worry about doing any pulls. No drop rides are usually fairly tame so my best advice for you is to just pace yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions. I've seen plenty of new riders get all cocky riding up in the front just to get gassed out within the first few miles.
What's the point of riding with other people if you can't draft?
but yeah if it's a no drop deal I bet it will pretty mellow. Just don't ride sketchy and don't burn yourself out in the first 5 miles. Assume there is always someone behind you and introduce yourself/don't be a dick.
All the advice about elbow flicks, pulling in/out of the paceline won't be needed, and if it is, you will probably get spit off the back pretty fast.