Do you prefer group or individual riding?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 185
From: Utah
All of the above. Each has its place.
There is a camaraderie that comes from riding with a small group over several days. I enjoy being part of something larger than myself when I do one of the local fundraiser rides. The soul feeding introspection of a long solo ride melts away the stresses of modern life.
There is a camaraderie that comes from riding with a small group over several days. I enjoy being part of something larger than myself when I do one of the local fundraiser rides. The soul feeding introspection of a long solo ride melts away the stresses of modern life.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 7,968
Likes: 15,788
From: Florida
I also am a firm believer in two bikes are safer than one. My wife rides so 98% of my riding is with at least two. I have a small group I ride with almost every week. It can range from 4-8 riders. I do not like larger groups. I try to avoid toy runs etc., I like to ride with people I am familiar with.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Group Or Solo
I, also, prefer solo rather than ride with a group. There is a toy run here every year and it has grown to stupid numbers...1500 last time I rode it, years ago. You can't imagine how much stupidity can group together in a group that size. Someone always gets hurt and a few riders want to start at the back and pass everyone on their way to the front. Alone may not be safer but I think I can stay out of trouble easier by myself.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,264
Likes: 690
From: WESTERN CHICAGO AREA
We have a bigger toy run here in Chicago - about 5 to 10 times larger. We do not have the crazy crap that you say happens at your ride. They have it controlled and if some moron gets out of line, one of the road guards will take care of him.
I like both group and solo rides. There's fun with both. It's great to share a great trip with a friend or 2. Exciting out on your own.
Years ago there was a midnight ride through Chicago. I really enjoyed it and did it every year for 15 years. Every time I asked someone if they were going, they'd say, no way not with all those idiots fooling around. I always said - why do you let other riders decide on what you want to do? I'm not crazy about those riders either, but I just stay in my lane and enjoy the ride but keep my eyes on the morons and stay away from them. I've always had a great time on those rides. I don't let others dictate what I can or cannot do. If you have confidence in your riding skills, it shouldn't matter what the other morons do.
Biggest group ride I've been on was Rolling Thunder in D.C. 500,000 give or take a few thousand = no major problems. Same each year.
The secret to good group rides is CONTROL. No control and it's mayham.
I like both group and solo rides. There's fun with both. It's great to share a great trip with a friend or 2. Exciting out on your own.
Years ago there was a midnight ride through Chicago. I really enjoyed it and did it every year for 15 years. Every time I asked someone if they were going, they'd say, no way not with all those idiots fooling around. I always said - why do you let other riders decide on what you want to do? I'm not crazy about those riders either, but I just stay in my lane and enjoy the ride but keep my eyes on the morons and stay away from them. I've always had a great time on those rides. I don't let others dictate what I can or cannot do. If you have confidence in your riding skills, it shouldn't matter what the other morons do.
Biggest group ride I've been on was Rolling Thunder in D.C. 500,000 give or take a few thousand = no major problems. Same each year.
The secret to good group rides is CONTROL. No control and it's mayham.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,760
From: Omaha,NE
I run mostly alone, sometimes with a lady on the back, and occasionally in a group. I like group riding if:
- I'm the leader, or
- Behind a leader that maintains speed
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
Include friends with family. This is why I prefer to stay out of groups of unknowns, [Skip to 3:50 ish for the abridged version]
