Accident today
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,878
Likes: 1,075
From: Utah
Apparently I'm in the minority here, but I put little blame on you. You feeling guilt is natural. I'd feel it too, and any decent person would too. But if this guy was outside of his skill level, he shouldn't let his pride put him in a situation that could cost him his life. Especially if he's been riding for 13 years. Taking the responsibility away from him because you were leading the pack is a total cop out. It's the same thing as blaming a teacher for a kids bad grades when the kid doesn't even try. All that said, this situation could have happened to most of us, and it's shitty any way you slice it. I hope he makes a full recovery and I hope you can put the whole thing behind you.
And as was said before, don't sell your bike just yet.
And as was said before, don't sell your bike just yet.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,044
Likes: 336
I think there is equal blame to share here - the OP "knowing the roads" should have driven them a little slower and made sure the rider behind him was keeping up and the guy that had the accident - clearly it is his ultimate responsibility to ride in control.
I happen to be a visual learner, I watch others do things and teach myself how to do the same - but if you do this, you have to learn your limitations and abilities.
I happen to be a visual learner, I watch others do things and teach myself how to do the same - but if you do this, you have to learn your limitations and abilities.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Anytime you ride in a group, the leader and the tail gunner need to communicate before the ride and be on the same page. Should have studied the route together. That way he can keep track of those that have to hold back and get them to the destination. But I always tell everyone before a ride how I usually ride, and they should only ride within their own capabilities. And I usually slow down if I notice an issue. So I'm not going to place blame on anyone, but it should be a learning experience for EVERYONE.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
Whenever riding with lesser experienced riders, you should tell them to not try to keep up if they cant. As the person who knew the way and no one else, you should have been a little more responsible and held back and kept the group together.
I'm not saying it was your fault, but you know... either way, I'm glad the guy is ok and hopefully he'll be riding soon.
I'm not saying it was your fault, but you know... either way, I'm glad the guy is ok and hopefully he'll be riding soon.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: poof
sorry to hear about all this and hope he and you mend well.
I'd be interested in hearing a little more about the ages and skill level of you, him and the group. Group riding in it's self can be a challenge even for experienced riders. It's nuances are many and have to be done to accommodate the lowest skill-set of the group.
My gut feeling tells me you knew the way and were familiar with the road, the others did not. Taking the lead places you in the position that is now causing you grief.
You'll get over it, in time, and with greater wisdom. Lets hope he heals up, I think you should keep in contact and make sure he knows how you feel.
I'd be interested in hearing a little more about the ages and skill level of you, him and the group. Group riding in it's self can be a challenge even for experienced riders. It's nuances are many and have to be done to accommodate the lowest skill-set of the group.
My gut feeling tells me you knew the way and were familiar with the road, the others did not. Taking the lead places you in the position that is now causing you grief.
You'll get over it, in time, and with greater wisdom. Lets hope he heals up, I think you should keep in contact and make sure he knows how you feel.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Sherman IL
sorry to hear about all this and hope he and you mend well.
I'd be interested in hearing a little more about the ages and skill level of you, him and the group. Group riding in it's self can be a challenge even for experienced riders. It's nuances are many and have to be done to accommodate the lowest skill-set of the group.
My gut feeling tells me you knew the way and were familiar with the road, the others did not. Taking the lead places you in the position that is now causing you grief.
You'll get over it, in time, and with greater wisdom. Lets hope he heals up, I think you should keep in contact and make sure he knows how you feel.
I'd be interested in hearing a little more about the ages and skill level of you, him and the group. Group riding in it's self can be a challenge even for experienced riders. It's nuances are many and have to be done to accommodate the lowest skill-set of the group.
My gut feeling tells me you knew the way and were familiar with the road, the others did not. Taking the lead places you in the position that is now causing you grief.
You'll get over it, in time, and with greater wisdom. Lets hope he heals up, I think you should keep in contact and make sure he knows how you feel.
And to the earlier posts about selling the bike, I have no plans for that. Just not sure how long it's going to take for me to look forward to riding again.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
I don't do group rides , but if I did and I was the rider that was having problems keeping up . I would just have slowed down , I'm no so proud that I will put myself or other people in harms way.
Were you in the wrong for not slowing down ? Maybe , but so was he for not slowing down and riding at a safe pace for him self .
Try not to be to hard on your self man .
Were you in the wrong for not slowing down ? Maybe , but so was he for not slowing down and riding at a safe pace for him self .
Try not to be to hard on your self man .
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,784
Likes: 57
From: In The Corn, Illinois
Am I the only one wondering how much actual riding the guy has done during the 13 years that was mentioned? Does he ride 2 miles to the bar a couple times a month or does he ride 500 miles every weekend?
I really don't think years matter as much as miles.
Yeah, maybe the OP should have slowed down, but something else tells me that "13 years" was a deceptive number. I'm very curious to know how many miles are on this bike the guy has been riding for 13 years.
I really don't think years matter as much as miles.
Yeah, maybe the OP should have slowed down, but something else tells me that "13 years" was a deceptive number. I'm very curious to know how many miles are on this bike the guy has been riding for 13 years.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
I'm with you on that. Maybe lack of experience/common sense had something to do with the crash.
Sorry if I'm wrong, or seem insensitive, just seems like an avoidable situation.
Sorry if I'm wrong, or seem insensitive, just seems like an avoidable situation.
Last edited by zeus33; May 5, 2014 at 06:37 AM.