Originally Posted by bulldog1935

actually, it's a question that puts everyone on the defensive - there really isn't a legitimate answer - it may not be a legitimate question, because no one can answer for anyone except themselves, and that includes the OP.

I'm only casually interested in speed, never clock mine. Keep up with my miles, which is the goal I set for myself. And I guess I gauge myself by taking 10 min off a standard ride (32mi has become common for me - I have a couple of routes laid out). My real goal is I get off the bike and go, ahh, this is the way I'm supposed to feel.

Occasionally will ask my buddy what he's clocking for us, especially when I'm chasing their tandem.
Or like last weekend, when Tad was leading and setting the group pace on a '36 Rollfast balloon tire bike.
It was a hoot that he set a pace of 17-18 mph. There were four of us in the lead group, we added two more to the lead group in the back half, and it was fun to be part of it. Yes, Tad is an animal.
But, intended or not, the OP is purely rhetorical and pretty much calls everyone a liar.
Answering rhetorical questions? well...