For over 20 years I led a no drop ride on Saturdays. The gotta go faster guys blew off the front never to be seen again, whiie the rest of us enjoyed each other's company, and fortunately for me there was no shop talk, just delightful conversation about family and friends. People came and went as the years rolled on, but the core group of slow riders became friends and welcomed anyone willing to ride and talk.
Today I ride with just one other person, no longer in a group as I have since moved, and it happens to be a former boss of mine. We average 14mph and have incredible conversations about the bike industry, politics, and family. Life is grand when one takes the time to see and sniff the roses along the way.