Group Motorcycle Riding
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
My normal group is ten bikes or less and we never split up or let cars mix into our group. Too dangerous. Normally we ride faster then traffic and end up with the group passing slower cars as traffic allows till we can regroup. If it is a large group ride then it has always had police escort. If we were to split up a large group ride to smaller groups then it is a bunch of small group riders ending at the same destination. There is no pat answer. Conditions dictate how we ride but safety is an individual responsibility. Only a fool follows another Lemming off of the cliff.
If we're referring to generic group riding, yes, that's the right approach.
After looking at my OP again, noticed that I didn't ask the question that
I was most interested in. Brain fart on my part.
Okay, let me try again .... if you're participating in a group ride consisting
of 12 motorcycles, would you:
1) prefer that all 12 motorcycles ride together
2) or divide the 12 motorcycles into 3 subgroups of 4 motorcycles each
with a 4-6 car cushion between each subgroup
I'd pick #2.
After looking at my OP again, noticed that I didn't ask the question that
I was most interested in. Brain fart on my part.
Okay, let me try again .... if you're participating in a group ride consisting
of 12 motorcycles, would you:
1) prefer that all 12 motorcycles ride together
2) or divide the 12 motorcycles into 3 subgroups of 4 motorcycles each
with a 4-6 car cushion between each subgroup
I'd pick #2.
Last edited by oldairboater; Dec 4, 2010 at 10:59 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
Likes: 607
From: Raleigh NC
The quality of a group ride is largely determined by the members of the group.
The safety, such as it is, is ultimately up to the individual rider.
As stated above, it's YOUR RIDE and if you feel unsafe with those around you, or if you see them being stupid, get out of line and move!!
The safety, such as it is, is ultimately up to the individual rider.
As stated above, it's YOUR RIDE and if you feel unsafe with those around you, or if you see them being stupid, get out of line and move!!
After looking at my OP again, noticed that I didn't ask the question that
I was most interested in. Brain fart on my part.
Okay, let me try again .... if you're participating in a group ride consisting
of 12 motorcycles, would you:
1) prefer that all 12 motorcycles ride together
2) or divide the 12 motorcycles into 3 subgroups of 4 motorcycles each
with a 4-6 car cushion between each subgroup
I'd pick #2.
I was most interested in. Brain fart on my part.
Okay, let me try again .... if you're participating in a group ride consisting
of 12 motorcycles, would you:
1) prefer that all 12 motorcycles ride together
2) or divide the 12 motorcycles into 3 subgroups of 4 motorcycles each
with a 4-6 car cushion between each subgroup
I'd pick #2.
Let me ask you this -- would you say that you're more comfortable being,
for lack of a better description, a passive rider than an assertive one?
We've those who enjoy taking it easy aka flower sniffing, and then we have
those like myself who focus on riding smoothly at a good clip using little or no
braking out on the winding backroads.
for lack of a better description, a passive rider than an assertive one?
We've those who enjoy taking it easy aka flower sniffing, and then we have
those like myself who focus on riding smoothly at a good clip using little or no
braking out on the winding backroads.
a charity event is a ride that brings 50-1000 strangers into one line of traffic. With that many "unknowns" there will be a wide variety of skills, and mindsets... for that reason, I prefer to avoid most of those event, and ride as far to the rear as I can.
Then you have "group rides".... which to me, means a group or club, where most of the riders know each other... and their skills. When a new person joins up.... they are place under the watchful eye, of some experienced riders, and coached slong the the group mindset.
These rides can be "flower-sniffers", or "peg scrapers" but that is posted along with the invite. That way folks know what they are getting into.
Is group riding safe? is group riding dangerous?...... as with most things in life.... that's YOUR opinion, and you are 100% correct, which ever way you decide.
Knowing the riders around you, will help you decide. I'm very cautious around strangers on bikes...... but will ride for weeks at a time with riders I know, and trust.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Good post, Skootch. I was coached in group ride etiquette at the beginning, and have been on several. The largest was thirty bikes. Truth be told, it was a bit much, with the stopping of traffic to keep the group together (no police escort, and I know cops must fricking hate it when we block traffic at lights). I personally would be reluctant to be the one to peel off and block oncoming traffic, just because it is illegal as heck. "well yuh see, sir, I was just trying to help keep the group together sir. Yes sir, I understand that it's illegal.............."
Wonder how many points on my license that one would be worth............
I really like the sound of thirty Harleys blasting down a two lane highway. Nothing like it.
Be safe out there.
Wonder how many points on my license that one would be worth............
I really like the sound of thirty Harleys blasting down a two lane highway. Nothing like it.
Be safe out there.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,136
Likes: 51,475
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Only group ride I ever saw that was worth watching from my point of view was up in Stugis one year . You heard them a full minute before the lead bikes came by and the column went by for a full 3 minutes on the highway by the camp ground at 65mph , that one was impressive .
I'm a loner on the riding front 2 maybe 3 bikes anymore if that , never could do the herd thing very well even when I rode patch .
To those who enjoy it , my hats off to you .
I'm a loner on the riding front 2 maybe 3 bikes anymore if that , never could do the herd thing very well even when I rode patch .
To those who enjoy it , my hats off to you .
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