looks like the mainframe computer room I started in, back in 1985. I see the removable DASD drive packs in the background. I found the photo interesting. Irrelevant to the post.

 

I only plan day rides (not overnight) with a group, normally 6-8 bikes. But like others said, I send out text message a few days before with what/when/where. Gas tank full. Night before I send out reminder, and I tell people no need to respond. Be at the starting point, or don't. Either way, I'm going. Normally 3 show up. Many times it's been just me and my wife.

 

I miss long rides with a group. We used to ride to Sturgis every year with 4 bikes (8 people). Everyone showed on time, everyone kept up and we had a blast. We even did the 4 corners rally a coupe times. We had one year where one of the bikes had issues and one year I ran out of gas once. But nothing we couldn't overcome. I guess, with the right group, larger groups can work well.

 

Notice it’s been over 3 years and the OP never posted a trip report

 

A few years ago, I organized a nice weekend trip with 8 of us on 5 bikes. I had advance tickets to a museum, and hotel reservations. One of the couples showed up, and she said she invited her nephew & his son to go. Somebody else invited another guy. Now, 11 people on 8 bikes. I was pissed. Told them to get their own tickets & reservations, and never took at trip with those 2 people again. I go by myself now.