Good story Ray. The bike club here in Rhode Island, The Narragansett Bay Wheelmen, has been in operation well over 100 years so we can say they know a thing or two about club rides. Each ride has several choices of distance, say 80 miles, 55 miles and 25 miles but there are no ride leaders. A club member will phone police departments of the towns a ride will pass through to learn of any road closures or any other conditions that would effect a bike ride. Everyone is essentially riding on there own although those who ride at similar speeds will tend to stay together. Consequently, there may be groupings within each distance of 5 -10 cyclists. There would typically be 100 or more people participating but well spread out in small groups. There are no waivers to sign and the club welcomes guests.