These days I rarely do organised rides other than races, and for the most part if I do a century it is coincidental - that is, I might be on tour and decide that the place I want to stop at tomorrow is more than 100 miles away. In general, I no longer seek to ride a specific distance as if covering miles were an end in itself.

Having said that, I generally ride alone, whatever the distance. I prefer to ride the ride I want to ride, rather than the ride that others might want. And I like to be able to Zen out, to just be in touch with my ride, and the surroundings, and not be bothered with chitchat. Unsociable, no doubt, but to me, more satisfactory.