competitive american riders

I think everyone knows I ride everyday to and from work (26+ miles) up from La Jolla through Torrey Pines. I am always passed by fast riders in training and regular commuters all "spandexed up" and cranking like its the 10th stage of the Tour de France. The route that I take is a popular one for out-of-town riders - it is probably a section of some of the best and sought-after experiences in road cycling. I was noticing the other day a couple of Italians (who I had seen before) riding along at about the same pace as I do. They rode well, understood the rules of the road, and were clearly very experienced - but they didn't ride like it was an Olympic competition. They clearly enjoyed what they were doing and were getting a good workout while they took in the surroundings. That got me to thinking that the fast-pace of most of the riders I see is because of the American notion that eveything has to be a competition and done really fast, or it isn't deemed a "proper" pursuit. Made me think of the "slow-food" and "slow-life" advocates. Things don't have to be done just to get them over with.