I (middle aged F) did a charity bike ride at the behest of a friend last weekend- 75k, only a little bit of training, didn't know the route. I was able to do it, but at times I struggled. I was also doing it by myself , some of the rest of them were in cycling clubs. It wasn't a race but obviously you want to finish. At one point I was struggling and had stopped; I asked a passing cyclist, a younger man who was doing the same event, if they knew the way. He stopped, was very kind, said he knew the route and would show me where to go, if I wanted. He was clearly pacing himself (I had gone off too quickly) and would in the normal course of things have passed me out and finished well before me. He stayed with me even though it meant falling well behind, told me in advance when hills were coming up, was really encouraging and introduced me to some of the group (he wasn't riding with them but knew them I think). No funny business at any point; I said arent I holding you back he said no, he wanted to help and only wanted to complete the ride not race for a certain time. I didn;t get to thank him but I was really very grateful. Did complete it but fairly slow