It may not be the best "overall" advice but I've met a lot of people looking for freelance developers or simply rubyists to hire by going at local ruby meetings.

I can't say anything about Ruby groups other than Paris, but at each of our meetings I talk with people having trouble to hire a ruby or rails developer.

Conclusion: Get there and even try to do a lightening talk ! You'll learn a lot, create your network with Rubyists. It's simply about getting closer to other people working in this field.