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We do 2 group rides a year, a benefit ride that is a parade for the Make a Wish Foundation back in my home town. Total distance 6 miles and top speed of about 35 mph all in town riding and 4000 + bikes. We do the Patriot Guard ride and that is the one that makes me nervous, we were the 4th bike behind a crash during this years ride. Guy stopped for the train coming and the guy behind him running to close and to fast tried to swerve and ended up crashing across the RxR tracks, he broke his leg and ended his riding season early cause he wasn't riding safe. I never have liked riding in groups and that is a prime reason why.
[url]Http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/apexchange/2014/09/29/oh--motorcycle-pileup.html A reminder to be cautious when riding in large groups of people you don't know, especially when you don't know their level of experience or if they properly maintain their bike.
You could be wrong. Smart people ride in back. It gives you a better view of the crap in front of you. Allows you to set a pace. Myself and a friend use to ride at the front or right behind the front. Years ago we moved to the back to ride drag. A group ride can be safe with just a couple of understandings.
Originally Posted by JohnnyRebKY
The last group ride I was gonna go on they started out fighting about who got to ride in the back. The leader finally had to explain that not everyone can ride in the back. I decided to opt out before it even started. I was going to end up 3rd from the front with all these wanna ride in the back people behind me. Maybe I'm wrong, but if they all want to ride in the back that tells me there's to many rookies and confidence lacking riders in the group. Recipe for disaster
The last group ride I was gonna go on they started out fighting about who got to ride in the back. The leader finally had to explain that not everyone can ride in the back. I decided to opt out before it even started. I was going to end up 3rd from the front with all these wanna ride in the back people behind me. Maybe I'm wrong, but if they all want to ride in the back that tells me there's to many rookies and confidence lacking riders in the group. Recipe for disaster
I dont know about that......seen this thread and here I am today getting ready to head to KC for a charity ride that a friend puts on.....I have not been on any memorial,charity ect rides in over 10 years.....Can not get out of this there a group of us heading down fri.....thinking today where I want to be in pack of 600 bikes....maybe the very back?? if anything on the big runs here I know where the bars are and get to them stops my way.....not a option this time as I live 500 miles north Kc and do not know jack **** about the run or bars......so again where would one be the safest in a pack?? the very back IMO.....
Anyone that's ever run a large military convoy (or any type of convoy, really) knows it takes a lot more effort and attention to detail than driving a single vehicle.
Human nature being what it is, people tend to get a sense of security from traveling in a group, but it's a false sense of security because running with a group of motorcycles DOES NOT increase you safety level. New riders are especially vulnerable to the misguided notion that jumping into a pack will help them be safer because the more experienced riders are somehow "looking out for them."
Pure hogwash.
Whatever your skill level or those of the people you're riding with, riding in a group is harder and your chances of being in a serious accident are multiplied exponentially. A simple fact.
There's nothing inherently wrong with riding in groups, but don't ever buy into the idea it's safer than riding alone. It's not. Knowing the risks, whether it's still worth it or not to you is a matter of individual preference.
The speculation stating that because there were some who chose to self transport or left the scene without being checked out that they did something wrong was BS though.
Some people, (myself included) would rather not take a ride in an ambulance unless it's absolutely necessary. Then, you have to get your bike home somehow.
.
In Ca, you are required by law to file a collision report if you are injured or property damage exceeds $750. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/sr/sr1.htm
If you are involved in a collision and leave the scene, you are guilty of hit and run. This applies even if physical contact isn't made with another vehicle.
If you saw the collision happen, you should remain on the scene and provide a witness statement to LEO's.
As part of our motorcycle brotherhood, you should stop and assist the injured until EMS arrives.
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