group rides
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
There's another dynamic with group rides and that's all the other drivers on the road. I guarantee that they don't particularly appreciate convoys of motorcyclists and get frustrated and impatient trying to pass or change lanes. Yet another reason to avoid large groups.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 889
Likes: 116
From: Massachusetts
First off, what jackass coordinator allow drinking "BEFORE" the group charity ride starts? That's right there is enough for me to not ride with that group. Riding is dangerous enough without throwing in impaired riders.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 446
Likes: 4
From: Nevada
My sentiments exactly.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 938
Likes: 22
I rode into NYC from Orange County Choppers in Newburgh NY last year on September 11 for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It was an all firefighter ride with 5000 riders, 22 miles long. It was a great ride but not relaxing.
I have done one large charity ride here in Ontario for Soldiers and never again. The huge difference in skill level and speed variance is a recipe for disaster, throw in the rain storm and it was awful.
Sticking to rides with small groups of friends.
I have done one large charity ride here in Ontario for Soldiers and never again. The huge difference in skill level and speed variance is a recipe for disaster, throw in the rain storm and it was awful.
Sticking to rides with small groups of friends.
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 774
Likes: 2
From: S.E. Montana
For me, half the pleasure I get riding is the opportunity to enjoy the country as I pass through it. On a big group ride, staggering a line with two bikes mean hugging the center line, or else hugging the shoulder. Way to much consentration is needed to "keep your interval". It's no fun after a while. Nope, I guess some boys like it....I'm not in that mind set. Give me an open road and plenty of room.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
This is a great thread with good conversation and I commend the originator. I am a fairly new rider (3 years) and I have a few friends that I like riding with but as soon as someone new joins our small group I get a little nervous and don't know why but it is just different.
I would never ride with anyone that had/has any alcohol of any type especially a large group as that just seems like setting up a bunch of dominos waiting for them all to fall over.
I remember the first time I forgot to put my kick stand down and dropped my bike and my first thought was, "I am glad I did that and nobody got hurt, because I needed to experience that" getting involved in an accident is not something I want to experience and I like my conservative style of riding and there is nothing wrong with it.
After reading the input here, I think I will continue to participate in the events as I have in the past and let those that enjoy large group of riding, do just that.
I would never ride with anyone that had/has any alcohol of any type especially a large group as that just seems like setting up a bunch of dominos waiting for them all to fall over.
I remember the first time I forgot to put my kick stand down and dropped my bike and my first thought was, "I am glad I did that and nobody got hurt, because I needed to experience that" getting involved in an accident is not something I want to experience and I like my conservative style of riding and there is nothing wrong with it.
After reading the input here, I think I will continue to participate in the events as I have in the past and let those that enjoy large group of riding, do just that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
First off, the natural resting point for any motorcycle is on its side!....why would I ride with one or a thousand bikes when alcohol is involved? Not me, no freeking way.....I'm not against have a beer or whiskey, but after the bikes are put up for the night.....I just don't get it....but that's me.
As for group rides, not unless I really know the other riders....our annual toys for tots ride, I show up, give my toy, hang around and look and bs...when they start leaving, I just wait...a few of us go the other way....it only takes one to go down and hurt a bunch of others....
Guess I'm just old and crotchety.....but to each their own....
Be safe all..
As for group rides, not unless I really know the other riders....our annual toys for tots ride, I show up, give my toy, hang around and look and bs...when they start leaving, I just wait...a few of us go the other way....it only takes one to go down and hurt a bunch of others....
Guess I'm just old and crotchety.....but to each their own....
Be safe all..
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
I have done one super large ride, it was a 911 memorial ride, bringing pieces of the towers to Indianapolis, there were in the order of 10,000 bikes, it was the most memorable rides I have ever done, it was cold,and wet at the start,and then about half way to Indy the sun came out ,and it was in the 70s.
I also do the Miracle Ride Benefiting Riley Children's Hospital here , probably 6 to 8 thousand bikes in that event too, but so worth it, it is next weekend, I am on the committee of that ride ,and wouldn't miss it for the world , but that ride is only 18 miles this year.
Neither ride had anyone drinking though, and I do avoid poker runs as a rule due to this.
I also do the Miracle Ride Benefiting Riley Children's Hospital here , probably 6 to 8 thousand bikes in that event too, but so worth it, it is next weekend, I am on the committee of that ride ,and wouldn't miss it for the world , but that ride is only 18 miles this year.
Neither ride had anyone drinking though, and I do avoid poker runs as a rule due to this.