So I've been biking for about 2 months now and I'm looking for a group that I could join in the DC and Maryland area. I did one group a week ago but they were CAT4-3 riders so they were waaay too fast, so looking for a lower level but still competitive, thanks!

what's your average and where are you located?

Where are you located exactly?

Anyone done the Tuesday night ride from Fresh Bikes in Ballston?

https://www.potomacpedalers.org/events/event_list.asp

Check Arrow Bicycles. I used to ride with them, but recently getting out at 6 and being back home 9'ish makes more sense than waiting till regular group rides.

Contes Arlington probably can give you some info on the community.

Wed night in LaPlata Md. about 25 miles south of DC.
5:30 rear parking lot of Casey Jones .

I'm located at college park MD, I can probably maintain speeds around 15mph

I rode with arrow last weekend and most of the riders were the team members, so fast....

It's fairly fast with some short but steep hills. I think I averaged around 17-18 mph but finshed way back

Their website says it's 300 riders with free food afterwards. Is that still the case?

They are the most approachable guys I've ridden with. In the past they used to have a slower group that took a shorter (~2 miles or so) course and met with the faster guys as well. If timing is not an issue, I'd recommend you keep riding with them. IT definitely would help you get faster.

First Tuesday of every month, starting from about May and ending in September (so next Tuesday will probably be the final cookout/catered day this year).

A viable option could be the Revolution cycles ride on Sundays out of the Exxon gas station in Georgetown. The ride starts at 9am and I would check with revolution cycles for details.

You're probably too far for the RBC (Reston Bike Club) Tuesday rides out of hunter woods in reston, VA, but they have a wide range of levels that will suit almost anyone.

Check out the bicycle place ride.

https://www.thebicycleplace.com/ride_with_us/index.html

If your goal is to become a faster rider, then you should ride with fast riders, especially ones who are willing to teach. If you've found such a group, stick with them. Sure, you'll get dropped (as we all have), but if you truly try your best to hang on for as long as you can, that level of effort will pay off big over time. You'll see far more improvement than riding slower over a longer distance.

If, on the other hand, speed is not your thing, but you'd rather do more touring, then consider DC Rand: https://dcrand.org/dcr/ I know a number of folks in that group; you'd be hard pressed to find more dedicated, knowledgeable and friendly folks.

i live in silver spring and could be interested in maybe starting a casual 15mph ride

thanks for the advice and suggestions everyone, I might check out bicycle place, I stopped by there store the other week they seem pretty nice. Aquateen maybe we can set something up later in the month of sept once school settles in

i've ridden the bicycle place ride and was kind of turned off by their intensity. it was my first shop ride and i learned to paceline with 30 guys yelling NO BRAKES at me...also a "hilarious" rider decided to pull on my jersey from behind when he noticed me struggling up a hill. i like the thursday night fresh bikes ride in bethesda.

Sorry, but based on your description of your riding ability, I expect you'll find most of the local bike shop and team rides too fast. For example, the Bicycle Place ride starts slow but gets fast, especially when the ride hits Clara Barton Parkway. I think your best bet is to check out the C and CC rides hosted by Potomac Pedalers (www.bikepptc.org). Good luck.