Have to admit that I haven't read all the responses. Will do so later today.

On coaching . . . people are stupid. Only way to approach it is "in one ear, out the other". Give them a polite thanks and go on with your life. Not worth getting worked up about.

On group riding . . . I rarely ride in a group. Only on the Saturday morning bike shop rides, which split into three ability levels and regroup later for an easy ride back to the shop. I usually ride alone for two reasons, 1) I don't want to hold up the other riders in the group, and 2) I don't want them to hold me up. Riding alone allows me to go at whatever speed I feel doing that day and also being able to stop as often and as long I want/need. I can also change the route to my liking while in the middle of a ride.

Oh, I've quit rides before. I figure that I just bit off more than I can chew on that day. Later, when I'm more rested or in better physical shape, I'll do that particular ride again just to prove to myself that I can do it. Taking care of unfinished business.