I can probably relate to all of the comments, especially Howsteepisit. I am the oldest rider in our bike group, but am just as competitive as any of them. Thus far have been able to keep up and perhaps at times even outpace a few of them. There are times when I leave for a ride and tell my wife (who is convinced on my insanity) that "it's going to be an easy recovery ride". She smiles because she knows that there IS no such thing for me. I do indeed start out slow to warm up, but pretty soon I'm up to 18, then 19 and before I realize what's happening, I'm cruising along trying not to drop below 20 mph. It's the way I am and that's what keeps me going.

I remember when I started riding (after a triple bypass) and felt good going two miles. As time and effort passed, I now feel that if I'm not going at least 20 miles, it's not worth the effort of dressing and preping the bike. And like all of us, there are those days when I have to force myself on the bike and after a few miles, I'm glad I did.

So in answer to you question, we're all different. Don't worrry about what you're missing, just enjoy what you're doing. If you're not enjoying yourself, do it differently until it IS enjoyable. You'll probably find yourself returning to what you questioned in the first place.