Losing Riders
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,264
Likes: 690
From: WESTERN CHICAGO AREA
I haven't seen any reduction in numbers of riders in the Chicago area. We still get 500000+ riders each year at Rolling Thunder - and Sturgis is still pretty popular. What I'm seeing more of now are trikes - especially Harley TriGlides. A year ago I was the only one in our chapter, now there are 5 and counting. I'm 70 now and with the trike I can easily see riding in my 80's.....hopefully - health permitting.
There are all kinds of reasons, There are riders that won't ride in temps below 70* and sunny-we have a couple in our HOG chapter like that. Some won't ride in the rain. Some won't ride long distances, some won't ride in groups, etc.
We have over 400 members in our chapter - at the most on a very popular ride we will only get 20 to 25 riders. Most of our rides(there is one on almost every day of the week)only get 8 to 10 riders. Most of those riders have never left the state.
I do a weekly Sunday brunch ride during the winter - I only get 3 to 5 riders (same ones each time) which is expected.
Our chapter use to ride as a group to most events (we usually received the "Most Attended" award, but now our SOP is to have as many different rides per day as possible(I really hate that, but I can understand the reasoning). I joined to ride as a group not splintered up into small little groups. Some of those small rides don't even get 2 or 3 riders.
I like to ride solo and in groups - I don't have a preference either way - they are all enjoyable.
There are all kinds of reasons, There are riders that won't ride in temps below 70* and sunny-we have a couple in our HOG chapter like that. Some won't ride in the rain. Some won't ride long distances, some won't ride in groups, etc.
We have over 400 members in our chapter - at the most on a very popular ride we will only get 20 to 25 riders. Most of our rides(there is one on almost every day of the week)only get 8 to 10 riders. Most of those riders have never left the state.
I do a weekly Sunday brunch ride during the winter - I only get 3 to 5 riders (same ones each time) which is expected.
Our chapter use to ride as a group to most events (we usually received the "Most Attended" award, but now our SOP is to have as many different rides per day as possible(I really hate that, but I can understand the reasoning). I joined to ride as a group not splintered up into small little groups. Some of those small rides don't even get 2 or 3 riders.
I like to ride solo and in groups - I don't have a preference either way - they are all enjoyable.
Last edited by GARY DYER; Feb 17, 2015 at 10:38 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 822
Likes: 61
From: Northern Kentucky
Here in the Greater Cincinnati area our riding numbers are up IMHO. I see more trikes as my age group turns 65. I also see more women riding their own bikes. Last October at the Dragon there were no shortage of riders. I guess it's were you live and the demographics.
For the record I don't drink and ride nor ride with those who do drink, however once the kick stands are down for the night break out the booze!
Bill
For the record I don't drink and ride nor ride with those who do drink, however once the kick stands are down for the night break out the booze!
Bill
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
Sons of Anarchy ended. Lots of used Harleys suddenly hit the market, especially black Street Bobs. Laser surgeons are also noticing a spike in tattoo removal among middle aged men. All these people sold all their bike accessories and ran off to buy up bdsm apparel and gear after watching Fifty Shades of Grey.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,784
Likes: 57
From: In The Corn, Illinois
I think a lot of people lose their taste for it after knowing/reading about so many riders being hit by texters or left turning drivers. They get scared and start thinking of the other things they have to live for, kids, grand kids and such.
I know a lot of people with bikes who never ride anymore because "they just don't have time". I never understand that answer. Maybe they just don't feel the same passion for it as I do.
I know a lot of people with bikes who never ride anymore because "they just don't have time". I never understand that answer. Maybe they just don't feel the same passion for it as I do.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 14
From: washington dc
Yes. Free-flowing cash of late 2000s funded a lot of rides. IIRC that period also experienced a big spike in mortality rates among 50-60 year olds.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 48
From: Eastern N.C.
I know my riding money suffers when its tire money needed. My job ended alittle over a yr. ago, so the play money just ain't what it was. but I get out as often as far as money will allow.
kroozeabout.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 419
From: Vermont
Never notice. Lol don't do rally's Don't do get togethers . I know when it's time and I go.
I also have another older bike I ride for everyday transport to the bank,partstore,hardware store or just to get the f out of town for a couple hours. Groups not something I do
I also have another older bike I ride for everyday transport to the bank,partstore,hardware store or just to get the f out of town for a couple hours. Groups not something I do
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 307
Likes: 3
According to the statistics last year there were more bikes registered in the USA then ever. I'm in northeast Ohio and our riding season isn't too long but when the weather breaks there are bikes everywhere. Not as many group riders like back in the day but thats ok with me. I ride solo 99 percent of the time. I read about all the bike accidents and I'm sure it might turn some people off but a true rider will always ride. When I was laid up for two weeks after my accident I seriously thought about giving it up but after much thought I said hell no. I was born to ride as they say and bought a new street glide. Ride on!!!