Shellene and I should be there, at least for the ride.  I'll ask her tomorrow about dinner afterwards.
 

I probably can't make the Thursday edition, but will be there tomorrow.  As far as speeds for the B group I've had averages from 18.5 to 19.5 on my rides this year.  There are frequent stops at lights, and for mechanicals, so people do catch back on, there also a couple of regularly taken short cuts to re-attach oneself to the group if you get dropped.  They try not to leave people at lights and such, but they don't have any issue with just riding away from you.  Coming down Dublin Rd, and Renner Rd on the way back I've seen the group hold speeds in the mid to high 20's for quite awhile.  I've also seen 23-25mph going up Los Rios for several miles at a time if the lights are right, combined with downhill runs of about 40mph on the 2 Los Rios downhills.
 
Take Care,
Nelson.

'fraid I'd have to second Nelson's statements...  17 mph doesn't cut it with this group, you'll be left behind within 5-6 miles...   I get dropped at about the 20 mile point.
 
HOWEVER -- one can always attempt to pre-arrange an "off the back" ride with a couple friends, no?  Just gotta know the route...