Nice ride!  when you figure out the eating/bonking thing let me know! 

I'm not very experienced, this is only my second year riding with a group on training rides and events. I think there are a lot of advantages to it. For one, it makes you more visible on the road.

If you do decide to ride with a group, here are a couple of tips I found online

Don’t overlap wheels. If you get between two riders, slowly back out by coasting or sitting up to let your body catch some wind. This will slow you down without having to use the brakes. It also signals the rider behind that you are slowing. Riders behind you can’t see you touch the brakes but they will see you sit up. Remember, if you brake in the pack, then everyone has to brake accordingly.

Don’t ride centered on the wheel in front of you. You may ride close to the rider in front of you if that rider is steady, but always stay a few inches to one side. This will help you avoid colliding with that rider if he or she is forced to decelerate suddenly.

Don’t change position in the group. If you must change position, before you move to either side, make sure another rider is not overlapping you. Don’t move abruptly. It is better to hit a hole than to swerve and cause a crash. If you are smooth and steady then everyone else will feel safer and riders near you may be able to react and avoid crashing. When cornering hold your line so other riders can follow through and maintain speed. Learn how to corner properly so the group does not get slowed very much.

Don’t ride the brakes. When you brake everyone behind you also must brake. This is normal if you come to a turn or stoplight, but if you are the only one braking then the group also has to brake and the rhythm is broken. Keep your hands near the brakes so you can brake if necessary but do so gradually. Never brake hard.

Use caution when standing. When you stand to accelerate or climb the bike tends to hesitate. A rider behind you will not expect this and may touch your wheel and fall. Practice getting out of the saddle as one leg starts a down stroke and the bike is much less likely to hesitate and cause problems for riders behind you.

Be aware. Always pay attention to the road and what vehicles around you are doing. Watch the road in front of you and as far ahead as you can see. There may be potholes or road grates that are hazardous. The lead rider should call out and identify these but may not do so. You must look out for yourself! Following riders should call out approaching cars. At unmarked intersections lead riders should warn of oncoming traffic.


Protect yourself. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation in a group, you should immediately start to work your way out. Don’t ride in the middle of the pack unless you know the riders with you and are confident they are safe. Until you are experienced stay out of the main group and ride near the back. The safest places are the front or the back. The back is best because until you get the necessary experience you can observe the better riders and learn how to handle the bike. If other riders get too close either move away or ask them to move. When passing a rider closely inform them you are there by saying, "On your left" or "On your right" as the case may be.