I've been reading the posts in this thread, and I would like to say that I admire you guys -- I'm 41 and 285 lbs, so I grandfather the group by 9-14 years and 90 lbs at least. I've never had the guts to even try a group ride, because I know some of the riders and they're speed junkies. Whatever happened to enjoying the ride? Why call it a group ride if each person rides myopically, self-absorbed in their own pain and suffering? I bet I've noticed more birds and flowers in ten minutes than they do on their whole ride! And the Dairy Queen always waits for me with arms of welcome and satisfaction.