Ad-hoc Groups For Gran Fondo

[jpwkeeper]

Disclaimer: I fully realize that "it depends" can apply to every question here. I'm more looking for "generally speaking" forms of answers with the full understanding that it may not end up being that way at the next sportive.

So generally speaking, at organized bike events like Gran Fondos, do Ad-Hoc groups form or do people generally end up cycling solo if they showed up solo?

Are people in pre-formed groups usually OK with outsiders joining their group, or would they prefer them not to join?

Is there a polite way to integrate yourself into a group, or a particular strategy in getting a group to form?

 

[ambal]

Throughout the ride, groups will form, if you can keep up, keep riding with that group. Riders wont care if they know you or not, they're more interested in if you a swap turns and ride properly. Fondo's aren't races, if you have an ego, leave it at home and let your legs do the talking. They're great fun, you'll have a blast.