any advice for newbie group riders?
Just do it.
The BF talk can sound pretty intimidating to a newbie ("We're going to yell at you!") but the reality is much more civil.
Not that there aren't the occasional asshat and ******bags... but they aare a distinct minority. I've really enjoyed getting involved in group rides. Who thought PT could be fun?
DG
Footnote: "******" is a bleeped word? Really? Comment en faire un ******?