Riding for 34 years maybe I can share a few thougts.
Never drink if you are riding because if you are like me
there is no such thing as only one.
Wear good quality leather/protective gear It is the last thing between you and the unforgiving Earth(and yes one day you will come off)
Never try to keep up,ride where you are happiest practise makes quicker,and nothing spoils a ride like a trip to hospital.
Remember there are old Bikers and bold Bikers but precious few that are both
Balders (a very old biker)