Thanks ladies for your feedback.

Valids points about my Fred music device--think it has to be the death of it--just miss the beat alone. I would rather have human riding companions, vs electronic ones in the end. I guess point in case, eventhough I can hear car engines, I did NOT hear that paceline leader until the guy spoke up while right next to my head--so that about seals the deal.

Buddies and music is part of what spinning class does for my fix, plus just the beat gives me an added push to pedal faster/harder. Maybe this is some sign of pedaling sickness, but even while driving in my car and I hear music with a good beat, it just makes my legs want to spin in circles--kinda makes it hard to drive that way, so I refrain to my mind only.

HOWEVER...I will say, something that made me want to pedal even harder than music, was watching that paceline leave me. I know I am not with their skills--but eventhough intimidating, it is a motivation to try and "get there" in others. On the cyling list of "dreams", for today.

Yeah...about my Mr. Cycling-Jones roadie guy aquaint...he is a pretty good rider that I know of, and has some good advice, but I think snubbing people because of what they ride, wear, etc. is in the wrong spirit, and definately not me at the heart.

OH...and an after the fact "Fred Realization" for me about the offer to join up, I see now that the guy was trying to say that HE was the last in line and that I could expect no one else to pass me, safety-wise, fyi....DRRRRR ...Fred for me there! or just maybe "Freduian slip" wishful thinking.