Being in Pasadena, you don't have to drive anywhere to connect up with other people to ride with. There are group rides frequently organized on this forum that start from Encanto Park in Duarte to various destinations with anything from flat to fairly aggressive climbing. Stan's Monrovia Bike Shop on Myrtle has rides 4 mornings a week. Incycle bikes on Colorado has group rides. And several individuals on this forum ride in the foothill areas just north of, and through, Pasadena. SO . . . the only question is what days and hours are you available to ride?