the bottom line, did you enjoy yourself?

I just read another thread about guy who wants to do some group rides to get faster. my question would be is that important to you. will that be enjoyable? I used to like to go for a bike ride. now if I get on a bike, it's "cycling". whatever happened to just going for a bike ride, not leaisurely, not fast, just riding for fun. why is everyone so darn concerned with speed?