Things in south Florida must be different than in other more enlightened parts of the country. I started back into training and riding about six years ago. Yes, getting into competitive (read "fast") shape seemed to take a lot longer than I could have imagined. My pace was stuck at about 20 mph for years until I found my ideal riding companion. In his mid 30's, and almost two decades younger, I managed to switch him from mountain biking to road biking. He purchased a high tech modern marvel road bike and never looked back. He is a natural being fairly light for his large muscular body (175 solid), but he took to riding like a duck to water. Within a year he helped move my fastest long term cruise speed to 25 mph. During this period I judged the reaction of the local hard core morning riders to my 5 classic bikes. When I was in the low 20's mph, the well conditioned riders showed obvious disdain for my classics, even the prettiest of them. As I moved up in speed the riders showed respect for the two of us as riders, but only showed the minimum respect that should be garnered for a recognized classic. "Nice ride, but your wasting your time on that old technology." On a good day when we are really cooking in the near high 20's, and passing many, I still find either complete ignorance that I am riding anything but just some "older cheaper bike", or only a rare nod to the classic steel under me. If I am to be honest, nobody shows much appreciation at all around here to anyone's "equipment", whether new or old, $10,000 ultra tech or $1,000 entry level. So in this regard it all seems fair.
When I lived in San Francisco, in the early 80's the atmosphere was one third appreciation for the riders skill and conditioning, one third appreciation for just being a fellow human being, and one third deeply held appreciation for the marvelous machinery we possessed. I think that in an environment where the bike is simply seen as a means to an end (ie getting faster, or in better shape), the bike itself is seen as just a tool, like a drill or lawn mower. It seems sad to me that things have changed in this manner, but in a disposable society I guess it all makes perfect sense. To me just looking at my old bikes, displayed on the wall, gives a thrill.
Garth Libre in Miami Fl.