Originally Posted by
mpath
+1. Benchmarks are already there and obvious for professional cyclists; in fact, for any professional athlete. For the rest of us, any sort of "benchmarking" amongst other non-professional roadies is just testosterone swinging. May as well pull down our bibs and take out the measuring tape. (As an aside, that's why I think that Strava lawsuit is ridiculous).
Back on topic, I have a cycling bucket list in my head of rides I want to do - such as Haleakala - and I'm simply impressed when I meet someone who's done it, and try to learn as I can from them about the ride(s).
Totally disagree. If amateur results didn't matter to people whatsoever, there would be no timed events like time-trials, or triathlons, or running races to boot.
It's the best motivation to try and hit your goal time, or if you're young enough, still go swinging for personal PRs.
If I just 'rode for fun', I wouldn't be a fraction of the cyclist I am today, and I'm very glad that I've put in the effort to get to where I am in cycling, which is a long way from good/great, but for me, is hugely satisfying to work hard and see my own results.
Time and race results are far from everything, and of course, a huge number of people cycle without any care or regard for these factors, but it doesn't mean that they're not important for a lot of folks. Also, the faster/stronger you are, the more group ride options you have. If your max speed is 15mph for a 25 mile ride, you might be stuck with the beginner group ride. Get it up to 19-20+, and you'll be able to ride from the A/B/C rides depending on how sprightly you feel.