jppe,
Yes....totally agree. I can push myself when solo, but its more fun and motivating to have someone else's wheel to focus on.....even if that wheel slowly gets farther away.
Riding with somewhat faster riders and promising yourself you'll hang with them until some point ahead is a nice, concrete goal. Whether for fast riding or climbing. Then, when I come more slowly cruising in myself, I feel like I've accomplished something.
** At 58, I get it both ways: I can feel proud of myself for hanging in there, but also smile and shake my head when some youngster effortlessly motors away. 8-) My ego has grown more sensible with age.