Keep getting placed in DZ 161+

Hey guys I'm looking for some help. In order to play with some friends I placed myself in the 161+ bracket. But I'm looking to go solo and I'm gear score 159. I really don't want to be in this bracket alone but I can't get back. I've logged out and quit the game multiple times, but it still brings me to a safehouse when I get back to the checkpoint. Help?