I have never rode in a group except on organized tours or rides. Why? I guess its a for a couple of reasons ...
1) Not many riders in my area. I live in a rural area with maybe 1 or 2 serious riders in the community. Not many choices unless I want to drive 25 miles to join a club.
2) Time ... With work and family my schedule is pretty full and free time is sometimes limited. In fact I ride at lunch during the work week so that I can get it in. Hard to get together with others on a tight day.
3) I like the solitude. I enjoy the peace of hearing only my breathing or the freedom to head the direction I want to go.
4) I enjoy pushing myself. I am a competitive person but its mostly against myself. I do not seem to have a problem giving myself a new challenge.
Mark
