A group ride means you’ll be in a fairly tight knit bunch. You don’t need to be right on someone’s wheel (this isn’t a race) but you do want to be fairly close.

Read up a little on group ride formations  – but don’t worry too much about this, as someone will explain to you how your ride works and you won’t be expected to work together in a bunch – you’ll just need to be able to ride in a safe and orderly manner – either in a single line or two abreast (which makes it easier for cars to pass you).

Road Cycling Pedal Systems: Look, Shimano, Speedplay or Time?

Riders will use calls and hand signals to tell those behind or infront when there is a car about to pass them, when the group is slowing, or when there is a hole or obstacle in the road.

Take a look at this piece which will teach you what each of the calls mean. No one should expect you to use them flawlessly on your first ride, but it will be a big plus if you can point the holes and pass on the calls.