we're leaving for DC and Rolling Thunder on Friday . Last year they estimated about 700k bikes there. Pretty big group but usually no problems. Now that is a group ride !!!

Bubba

 

when i first joined the Golden State hog chapter (the love ride one) i went on a few rides just to see if i would like riding with them.

i absolutely HATED it. i felt at the time that they rode terrible, too slow on the freeway, and dumb enough, too fast on the twisties. i dont mind the events they have, but being there 2 years now i have only joined a handful of events and rides (3 in 2 years?) and the last ride i joined in on was not as bad. either i've gotten used to riding their style, or i've gotten able to tolerate it more, but i still prefer riding either alone, or with a small group of riders i feel very comfortable with.

i guess the real reason i am in the chapter is just to get free love ride tix every year (after volunteering to help for it every year) and the 10% discount.

 

My wife, son and I belong to our local chapter. We do not all go on the same rides. We pick the ones that interest each of us. We just did a ride to a National cemetary and placed flags there. It felt good to be part of that although I have ridden there on my own before. I am also a Vietnam Vet and like to be alone with my thoughts there. I know of no chapter that requires members to go on all rides. I am riding with the chapter on Friday to DC but will part with them on Sunday to ride to Fla., alone, to visit my son, a Marine stationed there. Take what you like from the chapter and still do your own thing. Enjoy your freedom and when you want, the company of friends.

 

Guess you can figure out after a few rides whether you liketheHOG ridesor not. I've had a lot of Hogchapters to invite me to ride with them. Ihave ridden behind them watching how they rode and where they went. I don't think I could get used to it myself. I don't comform to rules and riding in formation at one speed. I like to be spontaneous and ride whereI want to go.
I rode as a guest with some biker clubs years ago, they rode pretty much wild, I enjoyed that as long as I didn't get into any trouble. They pretty much understoodme but didn't always ride the speedlimit either.I like to ride faster than the speed limit a lot.
When I'm riding I tend to go anywhere and no where unless I have somewhere I need to be. I'm a loner and ride with a few friends.I ride to enjoy myself and explore .

 

Our HOG group rides at the speed limit +-5mph (most of the time it is +). I usually ride in the back so I am able to see what is going on.

I also ride with the Leathernecks MC. Uh,... different type of formation riding: fast, tight, controlled. I actually feel more comfortable with them than the HOG folks even if it is faster and tighter.

Since I used to race (motorcycles andbicycles) riding in a group ain't no problem as long as nobody wants to lock handlebars with me. It does take a lot more concentration and discipline to ride in a group and sometimes a strong bladder. The fellowship at the end of a ride is usually worth the added strain.

 

I for one do not like riding in groups, I ride to get away from everything not to follow everyone.

 

I struggle with this issue. I've been on one chapter ride since joining recently. It was the monthly new member ride. While they do practice safe riding it seems difficult to enjoy riding while worrying about everyone around you and stopping to regroup. I really prefer riding alone or with a couple of friends.

On the other hand, I'd like to meet some other folks who might become riding buddies and the HOG chapter seems a good place to find them.

Guess I'll have to try some more chapter rides.

 

a _45 minute_ briefing on how to ride in a stupid parade formation? OMFG, did they act it out with puppets or include some interpretive dance or something?

ive ridden with lots of different groups, from the "formal slow motion parade" types to the "hive of bees-everyone for himself" people to the common "double staggers columns till the twisties then single file" folks. having seen more than a few ride briefings i cant think of one that took more than 5 minutes, except for track school, which was, well more in depth than some harfwitted hog ride.

just sayin. 45 minutes! and required at that?

no thanks. i can why you wouldnt be into it.

 

I understand your point of view. I also joined my local HOG chapter lastmonth and went on an orientation ride with about 22 memmbers.I enjoyed it and liked riding with a group. But I also enjoy ridesby myself andwith one or two friends. So I can see it both ways. My attitude is when I want to group ride I ride with the chapter and when I want to do my own thing I do that.

 

Bluerose, you need to post eye candy pictures to win BOTM.

2 years ago, I drove chase on a trip for the HOG chapter. While we were running down the Interstate I saw a bike off the road ahead, so I slowed and pulled off. The Honda rider was out of gas. When I run chase I always have gas, oil, small parts, etc.. I filled his tank and he was on the road again. (He paid me for the gas). Later when I caught the group, they asked what happened. I explained about the bike they passed and what I did. They commented that I should have stayed with the group. Not a problem, I don't ride with that group any more.