Do you prefer group or individual riding?
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 3
From: Northwest IL
As someone who is relatively new to riding, and with nearly no one I know that also rides, I always go solo. I do love the freedom of going where and how I please. However, it seems to me that there could be a lot of fun to be had riding with a few others that are similar in disposition (pace, aggressiveness, etc.) I haven't had the chance to really ride with many others, but I'd love to find some more seasoned riders that I could tag along with to learn from and observe. Oh well, out the door I go, and down the road I ride!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 443
From: West Tennessee
I use to enjoy riding in large groups until witnessing several accidents by idiots and unexperienced riders. Now I mostly ride alone except for a weekly dinner ride of 10 bikes or less of 50 year riding veterans. Several are in their 70's!
I ride with a small tight group of riders that know what they are doing and prescribe to a laid back mindset. It’s a lot of fun to cruise across the country with your close friends.
I don’t ride with people I don’t know well.
I don’t ride with people I don’t know well.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,264
Likes: 690
From: WESTERN CHICAGO AREA
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] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU0IrS7jkew
Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 274
Likes: 17
From: West Slope Colorado
I prefer solo but enjoy the company of another bike or two on the long rides once in a while.
Even with good company though it can get to be a PITA though with different interests, unexpected separations alone the route, unscheduled stops.
Even with good company though it can get to be a PITA though with different interests, unexpected separations alone the route, unscheduled stops.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
Likes: 607
From: Raleigh NC
BOTH...........
I spend a great deal of time, just riding solo... but I still ride with SELECT others, on a regular basis.
"Group" riding has gotten a bad rap, mostly due to "charity rides, poker rides and the such. 20-50-100-1000 riders, none of whom know each other, or their skills.
Between the LARGE runs... and various "riding clubs/groups" folks get the wrong idea.
Give me the handful of riders that come out on a regular basis, who know each other, enjoy each other's company, and you can have a pleasant day.
I spend a great deal of time, just riding solo... but I still ride with SELECT others, on a regular basis.
"Group" riding has gotten a bad rap, mostly due to "charity rides, poker rides and the such. 20-50-100-1000 riders, none of whom know each other, or their skills.
Between the LARGE runs... and various "riding clubs/groups" folks get the wrong idea.
Give me the handful of riders that come out on a regular basis, who know each other, enjoy each other's company, and you can have a pleasant day.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 504
From: Lake County, IL
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.
I used to go on that spring run, and on the toy run when it used to start at Munch choppers. That was a while ago, what -- 1980s?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 7,702
Likes: 17,167
From: MA
I havent read all the replies here, but, I like both. Riding in groups is NORMALLY safer-but, since this riding season alone, I know 4 people (one was a passenger) seriously injured while riding in a group.
In all 3 instances, the driver didnt notice the riders.
And the smallest group was 15 bikes....
In all 3 instances, the driver didnt notice the riders.
And the smallest group was 15 bikes....