I have never ridden in a pack before. And no riding with my girlfriends while gossiping just isn't the same. I showed up to Starbucks early and sat in the truck and waited, slowly I saw each and every person unload their ubber expensive bikes along with their fancy-shmanchy gear. I was scared, so scared that I actually almost started up the truck and bailed out on the ride.
I eventually got up the courage and rolled my not-so-expensive bike over to the group and introduced myself as "The Newbie". Routes and distances were the next topic of discussion, and I heard a couple "how about 35 miles" and "well maybe 50 miles." Oh dear, I was doomed. My longest ride had only been 22 miles so I was about to get my butt-kicked. Luckily I spoke up and just said "I am comfortable with 25, so you guys can keep going and I can turn around."
Off we went and it actually wasn't nearly as horrific as I thought it would be. Around mile 6 I was left in the dust but a few of the members stayed behind to coach me and let me feel what it was like to ride close together in a pack. It's very intimidating. You really have to trust your front leader that they won't suddenly hit the brakes leaving you to eat the asphalt. Many times I got yelled at for being too far from his back tire. At one point I considered just hanging on to his bike and letting him tow me the rest of the way. Not sure that would have gone over too well since we had just met.
I ended up lasting about 25 miles which I was quite proud of. The remainder of the group continued on for their additional 567 miles but I was content. I am glad I got out of the truck and faced my fears. So next time you are on the road and see all those road bikers in a pack don't laugh at The Newbie bringing up the rear, it's probably me.