Nice to see you putting up some real numbers on your log. Once you get some miles in your legs, ideally by doing a few 25-40 mile rides every week, your times will come done. And maybe find a route with some hills!
Thanks, Phil! I am excited to invest fully in biking. Obviously, I will not be competitive relative to racers, but it seems an excellent method for adventuring.
Racers are another breed, and like you I prefer to mostly go solo. But building up to being able to do long rides at 18-20 mph can be very satisfying. Good luck!