Just can't find the right riding buddies!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 145
From: SE Louisiana
I've got just a few friends that I care to ride with, but really prefer to go alone -- set my own pace and route, change both at my whim, stop as I please, go when I'm ready.
However, my wife tends to worry more now when I'm on the road alone (she keeps pointing out that I'm not as young as I used to be!), even though I try to keep her informed about my whereabouts and plans, so I do sometimes at least try to organize some company. Last such ride I was accompanied by one friend on a Honda, another on a Moto-Guzzi, and we rode up to Huntsville, AL, for a BMW rally. Next month I'll be riding up to Sturgis South (MS) in the company of one Kawasaki, one Honda, one Yamaha, and one Harley (beside my FLSTN) -- at least we're good at diversity (!)
However, my wife tends to worry more now when I'm on the road alone (she keeps pointing out that I'm not as young as I used to be!), even though I try to keep her informed about my whereabouts and plans, so I do sometimes at least try to organize some company. Last such ride I was accompanied by one friend on a Honda, another on a Moto-Guzzi, and we rode up to Huntsville, AL, for a BMW rally. Next month I'll be riding up to Sturgis South (MS) in the company of one Kawasaki, one Honda, one Yamaha, and one Harley (beside my FLSTN) -- at least we're good at diversity (!)
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
That's one of lifes many adventures the different people you meet on your journey.Some of the best riding buddies I ever rode with have changed their riding style.That's okay they understand when needing to stretch my legs every so often.Learn to enjoy your rides alone more it's what life is all about.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I guess I'm lucky my wife rides. Some days we'll leave at 9 or 10 AM, ride a couple hours, have lunch ride a while longer. We do weekend trips and week long vacation rides. Some days I or she will ride with other friends or alone.
I will admit that when riding alone I feel the "freedom" a lot more.
I will admit that when riding alone I feel the "freedom" a lot more.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,202
Likes: 5
From: Hudson Valley, NY
i have two people i ride with and they're down on long island so they come up to meet me every few months. between those rides i pretty much ride alone and i prefer it that way. there's one guy i ride with at work every now and again but he's a goofball, more about posing and showing off places and that isn't my style at all, i like to go where the large pack of bikers aren't.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
I like to ride both, alone and in groups. Both have their pros and cons. Just enjoy each for what they provide, and pick-em as you need too.
I do prefer solo time though, more relaxing and Zen-Like IMO. The blank brain, no thinking, listen to the engine zone is my happy place.
I do prefer solo time though, more relaxing and Zen-Like IMO. The blank brain, no thinking, listen to the engine zone is my happy place.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,202
Likes: 5
From: Hudson Valley, NY
is it me or do large packs of weekend warrior bikers look ridiculous? i can't help but think of that south park episode when i see these packs of 15 suburban warriors all dressed in the pirate gear on brand new bikes cruising around.
anyway the large packs cause issues because there's always some douchnozzle trying to "take control" and "lead the group", drives me nuts, it's the antithesis of why i bought a bike.
anyway the large packs cause issues because there's always some douchnozzle trying to "take control" and "lead the group", drives me nuts, it's the antithesis of why i bought a bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 0
From: Danville Va, Providence NC
I ride for the peace and tranquility, and to be able to change my mind as the ride goes on. I don't want someone with me to mess that up, it is a wonderful thing.
Then again, I have always been a loner. The more you trust people, the more you are let down, and the more trouble you can have.
Just ride!
Then again, I have always been a loner. The more you trust people, the more you are let down, and the more trouble you can have.
Just ride!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 591
Likes: 23
From: Statesboro, GA
Most of the time my riding buddy is my son. Guess since I taught him to ride, our styles are similiar. There are a couple of friends who ride with us from time to time but both of them can be very wishy - washy. Fine one day and a PITA the next.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 376
Likes: 1
From: NC
I ride for the peace and tranquility, and to be able to change my mind as the ride goes on. I don't want someone with me to mess that up, it is a wonderful thing.
Then again, I have always been a loner. The more you trust people, the more you are let down, and the more trouble you can have.
Just ride!
Then again, I have always been a loner. The more you trust people, the more you are let down, and the more trouble you can have.
Just ride!
My style also, very seldom make a overnite trip with other people.
