Good advice. Just keep riding with them and you would be surprised how much better you get in a short amount of time. I never thought that I would give this advice because it was contrary to my enjoyment. As a runner, I never run with others. I like the solitude. I do use a GPS watch and my times matter a lot to me. I run against my virtual runner and I hate when it beats me. I first began road biking by myself and thought that it would be the same. I saw no reason to ride with others, until I did. Now, I ride on Sat. with a group. It has helped quite a bit. I still like riding by myself but for me the competition brings out the most in me. If you are on a wheel it is easier to stay there than to catch up. It is pretty good incentive.