I'm 51 and got back into cycling in my late 40's because I needed an outlet from a very taxing and people-y job so I rode alone. I have changed jobs several times since then and still need my space so I ride alone. I do occassionally ride with a college friend (local MTB trails) but paved trails are my happy space and I'm happy to be alone. I do some local rides with my wife and 9 year old daughter but those are about the ride. My daughter will also go out with me some but we are working on the sore bottom issue (new saddle in the spring) so I am hoping she'll take some longer destination rides with me in 2024.
I have a competitive streak that surfaces at times but it's about being in tune with my body and beating my previous best a few seconds at a time. Frankly, I'm just happy to ride and don't care what anyone else thinks. I don't care of they think my hybrid with fenders and a rack looks odd or if the notice the full 105 upgrade it received...