The bike packers were probably feeling pretty smug, knowing that they are going further than you and are carrying more weight :)
That very well may be true, but I was happy to be going 21.7 mph! :) The great thing about living in our own minds is that we can always find a way to be a winner in our own way.
You were all riding along the ocean in California so I would say you are all winners!
I love hearing about your adventures!