Solo or with a crowd?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 7,855
Likes: 11
From: Oroville,Washington.
99% of the time,I'm solo. I ride aggressively,and don't like waiting on anybody to catch up when the roads get twisty. Only exception is with the S.O., she likes a slower pace. As far as tandem,only two guys I know who are good enough that I can trust them only a foot or two away,but it's my favorite style of riding,heads up,side by side,completely in synch.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
When you decide to ride with another person or a group of people you have given up the right to do what you want, when you want.
Breaks for fuel, food and potty to be planned out as some folks can't go as far as others, etc., etc.
I've rode in large and small groups as part of the pack and sometimes as leader on bikes, ATV's, snowmobiles and cars and keeping everyone haapy as far as speed, where to stop, when to stop is IMPOSSIBLE.
As leader, if you try to do the speed limit (or perhaps 5 over) you will always have the "rubber band effect" with the folks in the back having to do 20 over to catch up once they realize that they have fallen behind.
I prefer using the left lane of a four lane highway, or the center lane if one is available. The right lane is just too busy with turning, exiting and enteringof traffic.
I like (even riding alone) to ride in the left of center of a lane.
I'll ride side-by-side on a straight road but never on a curvy road.
In groups, it's imperative to stay concentrated on the bike in front of you, stops come hard and fast, and be prepared for the possibilityof getting hit from the rear by one of your riding partners if you have a hard time stopping yourself.
To me, the most important thing in riding in groups is to have radio communications (at least between the front and rear bikes) to move the group over and allow faster traffic to pass.
And the final thing is to avoid riding with any group where alcohol has become the focus of the trip!
Breaks for fuel, food and potty to be planned out as some folks can't go as far as others, etc., etc.
I've rode in large and small groups as part of the pack and sometimes as leader on bikes, ATV's, snowmobiles and cars and keeping everyone haapy as far as speed, where to stop, when to stop is IMPOSSIBLE.
As leader, if you try to do the speed limit (or perhaps 5 over) you will always have the "rubber band effect" with the folks in the back having to do 20 over to catch up once they realize that they have fallen behind.
I prefer using the left lane of a four lane highway, or the center lane if one is available. The right lane is just too busy with turning, exiting and enteringof traffic.
I like (even riding alone) to ride in the left of center of a lane.
I'll ride side-by-side on a straight road but never on a curvy road.
In groups, it's imperative to stay concentrated on the bike in front of you, stops come hard and fast, and be prepared for the possibilityof getting hit from the rear by one of your riding partners if you have a hard time stopping yourself.
To me, the most important thing in riding in groups is to have radio communications (at least between the front and rear bikes) to move the group over and allow faster traffic to pass.
And the final thing is to avoid riding with any group where alcohol has become the focus of the trip!
Some really interesting insight here, and solid points for those without much experience riding anything but solo. I appreciate the feedback, and may turn this topic into a blog post at Iron Horse Biker. Thanks!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
I prefer riding solo, or no more than one other bike, i like to move around alot and dont want to have to look around before sliding over a little
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 57
From: PA
Sometimes I like group riding and sometimes not. I usually ride with the same core group of people, which makes it a lot better, IMO. We all know each others abilities and everyone gets along. Riding alone is like therapy for me and a lot cheaper than a psychologist.