IMO, if there are rides that have multiple groups going out of different abilities, the lowest group that goes out should be a no-drop group, suitable for beginners, and stays at a slow enough pace so that a reasonably fit beginner can do the entire ride. If that is too slow for some people, or they have to wait around, it is up to them to try to get fast enough to join the "C" group -- or deal with hanging with the "D" group. I wouldn't push the pace just for them, and have it be too much for the beginners (especially your fiance! priority #1 ). There will always be people who's speed and skills are between group levels, all the way up to A/B or even A+. They just need to decide what group they can hang with