Went out with members of my club for what is to be a regular Thursday night ride. Enjoyed it very much even though it meant driving to the other side of town instead of like last year when I could just bike to the meeting place. The ride leader knows the area and picked some nice roads that led through beautiful green fields and woods. (Sorry, could not stop to take pictures but I may retrace the route alone during the day). It was fun to ride with others again after a winter of solitary training.

I would really like to join a group at this point, but I haven't mustered the nerve yet. Good for you!

I used to ride with a club when I was a kid in my 20s, and with friends when I was in my 30s. Circumstances have prevented it since. I miss it.

Go for it! Just make sure you find a ride group that has a comfortable pace (unless you are very fast). That is my only concern. Don't want to drag the group down. Last night we averaged 13.7 mph and that is a pace that I felt I could have carried on indefinitely in those conditions. The last ride I took last season was with a faster group and the affect on my ego was not good.

It is not the speed, there are a number of no-drop groups around here and I think I can hold my own in a midlevel group; it's showing up by myself to a large group of strangers. I actually went to a group ride once. Pulled up, but couldn't get out of the car!

miss kenton, I think you'll find that most group club rides at mid-level are just about as friendly and welcoming as the 50+ forum. Ask at the bike shop if they can recommend a group that fits your style, then take a leap and join in.

I agree. Also understand your feelings of hesitation. Have never been exceedingly gregarious but after 50 years of marriage to a woman who loves people and a few cruises across the Atlantic I have learned that most people are pretty decent. And it is true that once you start riding you are all bonded by that special exhilaration and good will that is the natural result of healthy exercise.