Welcome aboard, BA! I've been cycling for years, off and on, and almost always on my own. Just this year, just since late July, actually, I started riding with a local club on Saturdays. In that short time, I've improved noticeably in speed and climbing ability.

But I'm the kind of person who tends to twiddle along comfortably when I ride alone, enjoying the scenery, having a good time. I challenge myself occasionally, but not regularly. I enjoy riding alone enormously, but it'll never make me a better rider. On the other hand, the only reason I want to get better is to be able to ride longer distances. Other than that, speed and climbing ability don't matter to me that much.