I ride in a group that fluctuates in numbers, and we are always open to any newcomers. As we ride off road, we always have a few escape routes back home, just incase the newcomer is not up to level of fitness. We have even worked out a newcomers route that gives them about 1/3 on cycle tracks, 1/3 on road, and 1/3 of fairly flat true offroad, covering about 25 miles but with the escape routes at 4 miles, 9 miles and 13. If they do more than 13, they might aswell stay with us as there is not a shorter way home.

We only have 2 rules. The first one to the top of the hill, gets cold waiting for the rest of the group. the second is that they must wear a helmet. We only ever had one newcomer refuse to wear a helmet, so we lost him in the first couple of miles.

What "Rules" do the rest of you have within your riding groups?