I liked the that we all stuck together. Being a newbie my biggest concern was getting a puncture in the middle of nowhere and being left behind. The large group also slowed the ride down which I think made it more accessible to people who were worried about the pace you regulars ride at. Also Like someone mentioned before it gave it a more social feel which I enjoyed.
Also who was the girl in all black that kept testing my masculine pride by effortlessly zooming past me?
I clocked her too, lovely unit