When I first started cycling with Arch's friends I was so unfit in comparison that Every now and again Spandex fell back and gave me a push!

However, they all waited for me at various junctions* so I could catch up and the pace slowed considerably. All that helped me to feel accepted and to enjoy the ride. I am now much fitter and happier knowing that I can keep up or catch up.
*Only snag was that they all rested at the junction for five minutes, saw me approaching and set off again. It meant that they had a rest every few miles and I didn't! Still made me a lot fitter though.
