I think it’s two factors at play, in particular.
- the number of “ new” for want of a better term, is a high percentage of many rides. Going back, there would just be one or two newer riders, who would learn from the rest. At the same time, the newer people may have been reading the magazines, watching GCN etc. It’s also the case that many aren’t the fresh faced youngsters we were , and may take les well to advice.
- the March of data! Many are obsessed with data, average speed, segments etc etc. That doesn’t mix well in a group. I recall a club ride a while back, cold and damp, and most of the more experienced were on winter bikes with guards.
One chap, close to me, on a new looking £8,000 odd bike with full carbon everything, was clearly agitated. I asked if he was ok - no he wasn’t apparently, the ride was 2mph slower than last time and his Strava was going to look bad.