First Big Ride
First Big Ride
Every year around this time there is a Toy's for Tot's pride ride that takes place. Now that I'm a member of the Harley community I am going to take part it this ride. I normally ride in a group of 5 or 6 friends and none of them are interested in this ride. So I'll hopfully be making some new friends along this 100+ mile ride. My questions is, should I watch out for anything inparticular(sp?) riding in a group of this size? Last year they had 2200 bikes turn out and they are expecting more this year.[sm=biker2.gif]
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
RE: First Big Ride
I went on the Illinois Freedom Run from Joliet Speedway (in Joliet, IL) to Marseilles, IL on June 17th. About a 50 mile ride and the latest estimate I heard was that there was about 28,000 motorcycles. There is potential disaster every inch of the way in groups larger than a few bikes. When you are riding with so many people you have never ridden with before, you will find many that do things that will scar the crap out of you. There was two riders directly in front of me that would not ride in a staggered formation. They rode their Ultras handlebar to handelbar the entire way. I watched one of the guys reaching over to his buddies bike and dig a pack of cigarettes out an a windshield bag. This was at 60 plus MPH with thousands of biked in the pack. I did see the aftermath of one wreck that looked serious (and I would be surprised if there were not many more wrecks). The rider was flat on his back and looked unconcious in the left lane of I-80 with several other riders standing over him directing traffic around him. Things happen very fast in a large pack and if you dope off, expect trouble. I noticed many of the riders has "Back-Off" lighting modules so the brake lights would give three flashes when brake was applied. That really gets your attention and I will be adding one to my bike very soon.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 981
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma
RE: First Big Ride
Riding with large groups are a lot of fun but can be very dangerous if you're not familar with the riding habits. Some individual riders do not like to conform to any particular safety concerns while group riding and create unsafe condition for others.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon, Missouri
RE: First Big Ride
I prefer not to ride in large groups, for exactly the reasons everyone has stated. Even when riding with those we are familiar with, it's so easy for someone to take their mind off of business and take everyone else out.
Don't get me wrong, we do make a few rides with larger groups, but we prefer to take off by ourselves whenever we can.
Don't get me wrong, we do make a few rides with larger groups, but we prefer to take off by ourselves whenever we can.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
From: Really close to Atlanta...
RE: First Big Ride
ORIGINAL: TampaJim
You couldn't pay me to ride in one of those things.
Just way too many variables over which you have no control. [sm=badidea.gif]
You couldn't pay me to ride in one of those things.
Just way too many variables over which you have no control. [sm=badidea.gif]
Very bad idea. I have ridden in a few MD rides and they are scary. Too many idiots that dont care about my life...
Dont like that idea...too much
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,915
Likes: 8
From: Austin TX
RE: First Big Ride
I was riding in a group of 25 or so couple weeks ago leaving the ROT rally and got rear ended by another bike. He and his gf went down went to the hospital and just had bad road rash. Cept he lost a riding partner, as she has vowed never to get back on another bike. According to the Police report he "just looked down for a second" when he looked back up the rider ahead of him (me) and everyone ahead of me were slowing down for the upcoming turn. His hiway pegged slammed into my rear pipe and his wheel turned into my air cleaner. I managed to keep the rubber on the road but it was not easy.
My point is if you are gonna ride in a group (now this SHOULD be obvious) BE CAREFUL! Keep a few seconds between you and the guy in front and back of you. The first one is easier, I know! Watch ahead and behind (my mistake)
I have been pack riding for 30 years and this is my first 'incident'. I've seen quite a few but wasnt involved cuz I was lucky and kinda safe, kinda. For those of you that have been scared away, I dont blame you. Yeah, its dangerous, but I'll do it again.
My point is if you are gonna ride in a group (now this SHOULD be obvious) BE CAREFUL! Keep a few seconds between you and the guy in front and back of you. The first one is easier, I know! Watch ahead and behind (my mistake)
I have been pack riding for 30 years and this is my first 'incident'. I've seen quite a few but wasnt involved cuz I was lucky and kinda safe, kinda. For those of you that have been scared away, I dont blame you. Yeah, its dangerous, but I'll do it again.
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