5 Essential things to look for in a riding buddy the alternative
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
Maybe it is because I am getting older and turning into a curmudgeon, but I find I have less tolerance for puff pieces or bullshit. When the Curated Content Editor first started writing, I opened the articles with interest as I wanted to take a look at what was said. But, to me it became clear to me that he was an article writer and not much of a rider. I'm not saying he has never ridden a motorcycle, just that his articles are "search engine flavored and not experience based. I don't write articles for a number of automotive and motorcycle forums to make money on page hits, so what do I know? I'd probably do the same thing if that was my chosen profession.
After opening and reading and commenting on about 10 of the CCE articles, I refused to click or open one another one of his threads. Sometimes I get tricked, but I close it as soon as I see who it is. I don't want to be in competition, this is his job. But too often the articles are just too lame for me to even respond. I'd rather just do it myself.
I'm an instructor, so I see the value in these articles as teaching tools as well as sharing information with other experienced riders. I see his as broad brush, Farcebook style, get as many quick hits as possible. Maybe this is what the mythical millennial wants, but I doubt it. If this is what they wanted. they'd never leave Farcebook. Rather than post on his thread which I refuse to open, and since at least the title has merit, I'll just state my own opinion on riding bussies and no amount of clicks or likes will get me a cent.
My 5 essential criteria for enjoying a riding buddy are the following:
Touring:
1.They can handle adversity. Big ones or small ones.
2.They have similar riding skill sets. Enjoy similar speeds and roads.
3.We share the same whiskey, at least for the duration of the trip. While I said whiskey, this topic covers food stops, motels, campsites etc. No special need riders need apply.
4.They have the road tools I do not have and vice versa. They have the repair knowledge I don't have and vice versa. In short, we can strip down a broken down bike and get it back together and running on the side of the road (or we'll go find a truck or trailer and get it moved).
5.Road expenses are shared willingly while personal expenses and tastes are similar.
Cruising, ie day rides
1. They are ready on time. Arrives ready to go, filled tank, etc.
2. Holds their own whether leading or following. Similar skill sets and riding goals.
3. Does not need to stop frequently for pee, a smoke, a beer, suntan lotion, etc. We make stops as needed, but the main goal is to enjoy the ride. That way when we stop for lunch, gas or whatever, we can enjoy the break together.
4. Keeps their bike mechanically sound. Checks the oil, tires etc before we are 200 miles from home.
5. Willing to make side trips or try new places. A willingness to extend the ride if the situation calls for it. Not afraid to get home after dark or wet.
After opening and reading and commenting on about 10 of the CCE articles, I refused to click or open one another one of his threads. Sometimes I get tricked, but I close it as soon as I see who it is. I don't want to be in competition, this is his job. But too often the articles are just too lame for me to even respond. I'd rather just do it myself.
I'm an instructor, so I see the value in these articles as teaching tools as well as sharing information with other experienced riders. I see his as broad brush, Farcebook style, get as many quick hits as possible. Maybe this is what the mythical millennial wants, but I doubt it. If this is what they wanted. they'd never leave Farcebook. Rather than post on his thread which I refuse to open, and since at least the title has merit, I'll just state my own opinion on riding bussies and no amount of clicks or likes will get me a cent.
My 5 essential criteria for enjoying a riding buddy are the following:
Touring:
1.They can handle adversity. Big ones or small ones.
2.They have similar riding skill sets. Enjoy similar speeds and roads.
3.We share the same whiskey, at least for the duration of the trip. While I said whiskey, this topic covers food stops, motels, campsites etc. No special need riders need apply.
4.They have the road tools I do not have and vice versa. They have the repair knowledge I don't have and vice versa. In short, we can strip down a broken down bike and get it back together and running on the side of the road (or we'll go find a truck or trailer and get it moved).
5.Road expenses are shared willingly while personal expenses and tastes are similar.
Cruising, ie day rides
1. They are ready on time. Arrives ready to go, filled tank, etc.
2. Holds their own whether leading or following. Similar skill sets and riding goals.
3. Does not need to stop frequently for pee, a smoke, a beer, suntan lotion, etc. We make stops as needed, but the main goal is to enjoy the ride. That way when we stop for lunch, gas or whatever, we can enjoy the break together.
4. Keeps their bike mechanically sound. Checks the oil, tires etc before we are 200 miles from home.
5. Willing to make side trips or try new places. A willingness to extend the ride if the situation calls for it. Not afraid to get home after dark or wet.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,272
Likes: 3,371
From: Idaho Panhandle
I understand more than you may think at 70. But I empty when there is a chance and we are all stopped, not forcing everyone to stop and wait. We have had riders who don't empty and then 5 miles down the road from the station they now decide they need to pee. Good riding buddies empty their bladders and fill their gas tanks when others do.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
I understand more than you may think at 70. But I empty when there is a chance and we are all stopped, not forcing everyone to stop and wait. We have had riders who don't empty and then 5 miles down the road from the station they now decide they need to pee. Good riding buddies empty their bladders and fill their gas tanks when others do.
1) never pass a bathroom
2) never waste a hard-on
3) never trust a fart.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,272
Likes: 3,371
From: Idaho Panhandle
There are some activities in life that require a great partnership to work.
Riding is one of them. I can do a short jaunt with an *******, but not even a day ride. Like many here, I'd rather ride alone if I don't have a good riding buddy. I'm fortunate I do, Sturgis, the Southwest, Yellowstone, Oregon Coast, a good riding buddy. Two up or just traveling light.
Flyfishing wilderness streams is another. Got to be independent enough to fish all day and walk back miles in the dark. This one is open for now. Life change for my old partner. New wife has him grounded (or too busy)
Hunting is the same. My deer/elk partner is also my riding budd. We hunt both hunt alone or together. I know what he is going to do and he the same. I know if I get my animal down 10 miles back, he is there to help. I do the same for him. He has the same qualities as a hunting buddy as a riding buddy, you can count on him and he knows what he is doing.
Finally, after many tries, I got the woman partner thing right. Her brother rode a Harley back in the day so she had done fun rides with him and a friend. , but just day rides. We met at a friends party, then had a couple of dates. Then I asked her, "Hey, would you like to go on a motorcycle ride?" She said "sure". "Great" I said, "we're leaving in 4 weeks and will be on the road for 20 days". She pulled it off and we've been riding together ever since. Tain't easy to find a good partner, but when you do, you'd better take advantage of it.
Riding is one of them. I can do a short jaunt with an *******, but not even a day ride. Like many here, I'd rather ride alone if I don't have a good riding buddy. I'm fortunate I do, Sturgis, the Southwest, Yellowstone, Oregon Coast, a good riding buddy. Two up or just traveling light.
Flyfishing wilderness streams is another. Got to be independent enough to fish all day and walk back miles in the dark. This one is open for now. Life change for my old partner. New wife has him grounded (or too busy)
Hunting is the same. My deer/elk partner is also my riding budd. We hunt both hunt alone or together. I know what he is going to do and he the same. I know if I get my animal down 10 miles back, he is there to help. I do the same for him. He has the same qualities as a hunting buddy as a riding buddy, you can count on him and he knows what he is doing.
Finally, after many tries, I got the woman partner thing right. Her brother rode a Harley back in the day so she had done fun rides with him and a friend. , but just day rides. We met at a friends party, then had a couple of dates. Then I asked her, "Hey, would you like to go on a motorcycle ride?" She said "sure". "Great" I said, "we're leaving in 4 weeks and will be on the road for 20 days". She pulled it off and we've been riding together ever since. Tain't easy to find a good partner, but when you do, you'd better take advantage of it.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 528
Likes: 140
From: Anaheim, CA
This guy knows what's up.
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Lake County, IL
Maybe it is because I am getting older and turning into a curmudgeon, but I find I have less tolerance for puff pieces or bullshit. When the Curated Content Editor first started writing, I opened the articles with interest as I wanted to take a look at what was said. But, to me it became clear to me that he was an article writer and not much of a rider. I'm not saying he has never ridden a motorcycle, just that his articles are "search engine flavored and not experience based. I don't write articles for a number of automotive and motorcycle forums to make money on page hits, so what do I know? I'd probably do the same thing if that was my chosen profession.
After opening and reading and commenting on about 10 of the CCE articles, I refused to click or open one another one of his threads. Sometimes I get tricked, but I close it as soon as I see who it is. I don't want to be in competition, this is his job. But too often the articles are just too lame for me to even respond. I'd rather just do it myself.
I'm an instructor, so I see the value in these articles as teaching tools as well as sharing information with other experienced riders. I see his as broad brush, Farcebook style, get as many quick hits as possible. Maybe this is what the mythical millennial wants, but I doubt it. If this is what they wanted. they'd never leave Farcebook. Rather than post on his thread which I refuse to open, and since at least the title has merit, I'll just state my own opinion on riding bussies and no amount of clicks or likes will get me a cent.
My 5 essential criteria for enjoying a riding buddy are the following:
Touring:
1.They can handle adversity. Big ones or small ones.
2.They have similar riding skill sets. Enjoy similar speeds and roads.
3.We share the same whiskey, at least for the duration of the trip. While I said whiskey, this topic covers food stops, motels, campsites etc. No special need riders need apply.
4.They have the road tools I do not have and vice versa. They have the repair knowledge I don't have and vice versa. In short, we can strip down a broken down bike and get it back together and running on the side of the road (or we'll go find a truck or trailer and get it moved).
5.Road expenses are shared willingly while personal expenses and tastes are similar.
Cruising, ie day rides
1. They are ready on time. Arrives ready to go, filled tank, etc.
2. Holds their own whether leading or following. Similar skill sets and riding goals.
3. Does not need to stop frequently for pee, a smoke, a beer, suntan lotion, etc. We make stops as needed, but the main goal is to enjoy the ride. That way when we stop for lunch, gas or whatever, we can enjoy the break together.
4. Keeps their bike mechanically sound. Checks the oil, tires etc before we are 200 miles from home.
5. Willing to make side trips or try new places. A willingness to extend the ride if the situation calls for it. Not afraid to get home after dark or wet.
After opening and reading and commenting on about 10 of the CCE articles, I refused to click or open one another one of his threads. Sometimes I get tricked, but I close it as soon as I see who it is. I don't want to be in competition, this is his job. But too often the articles are just too lame for me to even respond. I'd rather just do it myself.
I'm an instructor, so I see the value in these articles as teaching tools as well as sharing information with other experienced riders. I see his as broad brush, Farcebook style, get as many quick hits as possible. Maybe this is what the mythical millennial wants, but I doubt it. If this is what they wanted. they'd never leave Farcebook. Rather than post on his thread which I refuse to open, and since at least the title has merit, I'll just state my own opinion on riding bussies and no amount of clicks or likes will get me a cent.
My 5 essential criteria for enjoying a riding buddy are the following:
Touring:
1.They can handle adversity. Big ones or small ones.
2.They have similar riding skill sets. Enjoy similar speeds and roads.
3.We share the same whiskey, at least for the duration of the trip. While I said whiskey, this topic covers food stops, motels, campsites etc. No special need riders need apply.
4.They have the road tools I do not have and vice versa. They have the repair knowledge I don't have and vice versa. In short, we can strip down a broken down bike and get it back together and running on the side of the road (or we'll go find a truck or trailer and get it moved).
5.Road expenses are shared willingly while personal expenses and tastes are similar.
Cruising, ie day rides
1. They are ready on time. Arrives ready to go, filled tank, etc.
2. Holds their own whether leading or following. Similar skill sets and riding goals.
3. Does not need to stop frequently for pee, a smoke, a beer, suntan lotion, etc. We make stops as needed, but the main goal is to enjoy the ride. That way when we stop for lunch, gas or whatever, we can enjoy the break together.
4. Keeps their bike mechanically sound. Checks the oil, tires etc before we are 200 miles from home.
5. Willing to make side trips or try new places. A willingness to extend the ride if the situation calls for it. Not afraid to get home after dark or wet.
And I've adopted the same policy on the CCE fluff.
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