Originally Posted by
Kopsis
Most groups are perfectly happy to let you stay in the back on your first ride. Just let folks know that you're new and you're going to hang back to get a feel for how the group rides. Focus on demonstrating good riding skills. Group expectations often vary quite a bit from group to group. After a ride or two, you'll have a much better feel for what your group expects.
Pretty much spot-on. Some rides have different "rules" for rides, especially hills.
Most of the weekly club rides I do have an unspoken "rule" for hills--free-for-all climb to the top, and regroup and restart a pace line. This allows everyone to climb at their own pace.