I am a bit worried that the ride will be lopsided in ratio and that without some effort, even in a small and balanced group, the girls and guys could end up only really talking to one or two others and not get a moment to talk to others. Still worth a try though. If you go along with the thought that it's just a ride that has an opportnity to meet people (nothing more) then it should be okay.
You could try not having too long a ride,stopping every now and again, rules to include riding with a different partner every 15mins or so wherever possible, having some of those speed dating type games, a bag of cards with some personal questions, anything you can think of…………….
Like Hobo I met my SO @ school when 15, 40 yrs on, 2 kids and 3 grand kids she has over the past 2yrs lost 2/3st and returned to her teenage shape(nearly, gravity etc 😉 )
I have neighbours and friends in the same position as some of the posters on here so can sort of understand.
aliagh…one of my neighbours has 2 daughters, 1 at uni doing PE and the other working in Boots. She has "lived" or her kids and says she is not bothered about men. I suspect she may think all men are the same as her ex….a total a……e