redbike ^^ No offense taken, but if this is the case, you're riding with the wrong groups if you want to push yourself. I'm lucky enough to get out a few sentences during our group rides since I'm usually pushing too hard to have conversation. I'd rather focus on breathing properly than talking and taking the focus off the ride. If you can talk during most of the ride, you're not pushing yourself enough. I'd rather leave the chatting until after the ride. There's nothing wrong with an occasional slow social ride, but its usually not my preference.