I admit I have no experience with group riding, but I had a disagreement last night with my buddies who are experienced. We were riding in a group of 4 at Sturgis and I was no 3. Stop sign, and the first 2 'veterans' go basically together. I see a truck waiting to go so I stop and let him between me and no 2. When we stop I am told how wrong I was and that we as a group are one unit and me and no 4 should have gone no matter what. I said I am not buying into that and I would do what is safe for me and my passenger. Got a little heated because they were of the opinion that the group is safer than one guy. Am I just not understanding the group riding rules?

 

It's typical to try to hold the group together. If it makes sense. Not worth putting yourself in danger for it.

If you had gone with them through the stop sign however, Johnny Law could have ticketed you.

 

Depends on which state. Here in Kansas we can leave stops 4 at a time legally.

 

I think your leader's an idiot. Can you say "road rage". The last thing I'd want behind me is pissed trucker. My guess is he could care less how many are in the group. Never let someone else dictate your safety.

 

No one TELLS ME how to ride when it comes to my personal safety.

 

Your experienced buddy is a clown. No matter what? Even though it's illegal and dangerous? It's nice to keep the group together, but when it's against traffic laws and/or dangerous, the law and safety wins out. Drivers of cars or in your situation trucks, could care less about what your group wants to do. They know what they want to do and they probably know the traffic laws to.

 

I probably would have stopped too but then, this kind of crap is why I ride solo. I don't like to guess or assume what someone else is going to do or what they hope or expect me to do.

 

I think you did the right thing. We generally ride up to two at a time through stop signs, keeping very close together. I actually feel a little guilty that one of us is "cutting the line". The other vehicle taking their turn may end up between us for a while but that's just what traffic is, same when a few of us (one at a time) pass slower vehicles. We often end up back together but if not no big deal. The first rider pulls over and waits for everyone to catch up when turning off the current road.
Personally there's no way I would ever participate in a group that felt they had "the right" to stay together in a herd.

 

you definately did the right thing!

 

Ride your own ride and your chances of survival will increase. "Experienced buddies" can't take the spill for you.