What are the benefits of joining a team/club and when to join? This is probably a stupid question and the answer is more or less subjective, but when should you join a team or club?

I've just started to take road cycling seriously and noticed on my rides there are many teams/clubs out riding where I live.

Is there normally a criteria for joining?

Right now I go on 30 mile rides and average around 13-14mph. That's somewhat pushing my limits. How far and fast should I be able to go to keep up with and consider joining one of these teams?

I will have to wait around 30 years to join the 50 and over club, but truth be told I probably couldn't keep up with them anyway lol. They are no joke where I live.
Keeping it general - if you're interested and keen on cycling for health or fitness, or you have a competitive streak, then joining a club is a good idea at any age, and at any skill level.

We can't speak for specifics of the clubs in your local region.

Most clubs quieten down in the winter/off months, more so at Northerly and Southerly latitudes.  Or they might shift focus to indoor riding if there is access to a velodrome facility.

The main benefits are


Access to experience and social interaction
Motivation to get out and ride
On a ride - a target or pace to maintain - gets you that little bit faster and fitter sooner.
Bulk purchasing power.  One club I belong to can supply consumable parts cheap, cos they keep a stock.  Any profits are turned back into the club too.


Drawbacks might include


Minimum attendance.  Some clubs have "members in name only" who don't contribute.  So its not totally odd to have a clause like "you must join in at least two rides a year."   Its not onerous.
Costs - Clubs have to charge subscriptions to cover their costs.  While it costs you nothing to ride your bike, the club will have 
Socialising - Cycling is inherently an individual thing.  So it attracts those of us who might not enjoy team sport.  Being "forced" to socialise might be perceived as a downside.
Ridicule - I ride old bikes, and when I turn up at an event with my horizontal top-tube alloy bike from the 90s, there's always someone who looks down their nose at you for having not-the-latest kit.  Stuff'em!  Best thing to do then is put in an admirable time, better than last time.  Bonus points if you beat Mr Longnose!


If you don't want to join a club, that's okay, just ride your bike.  Tools like Strava can give you information on your progress and the competitive nature of segments helps.  

Nothing is the same as keeping up on someone's wheel in real life, and feeling the boost of a draft.

Finally - clubs tend to run open days or public-access days where a ride or event allows non-members to participate.  Ask about locally and find out if such a thing is happening soon.  You can try it without committing.