would agree with riding with someone of similar ability - my cousins a pretty fast rider and sometimes he stretches it a bit. I tend to drop off and leave him to it if it gets too fast. I have been out with slower riders and sometimes get frustrated when i want a more spirited ride. Ideally one or two riders accompanying would be ideal, just so that theres someone at the other end of the ride to talk to!

On my own - it's alright pootling about with others but when you want to get on and focus on your ride, your lines, braking, etc. the last thing I want is to be watching out for someone else. Same if I'm riding and someone comes up and wants to tag along - I'll either lose them or slow down to get them past. But I'm a miserable git.