group rides
I know guys that I swear own a bike just for group rides and then the other camp those that don't like group rides, I fall into the later. Most I know that do group rides are bar hopper riders or feel the need to belong.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
Maybe im a chicken but went out on a Group ride today...Good cause... made my donation...lots of chit chat but when it came time for 250 of us or so to line up and take off I was very uncomfortable. I know most riders take care but when there is that many in a quarter mile lineup doing 55 i start thinkin about just how good the guys and girls around me can ride. By myself I'm a speed demon but when it comes to that big group I start stressin. Toss into that mix watchin the bikers around me downing beers before we leave and it really gets my blood preasure up. Not to sound like a pusssy...am I the only one?
That said, I refuse to "follow too close" unless I'm getting ready to pass; or to allow anybody to follow me too close! (Car or bike doesn't matter) The bunch I ride with, we ride single file and at a safe following distance. I have rode in groups like you describe, and I don't like it! Riding smart and safe is wise....maybe not macho or cool, but I'm not young and dumb anymore so I opt for safe and smart! (I've worked a few wrecks because a group was riding in formation and too close together when something went wrong.........the injuries they received aren't worth it IMHO.)
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 8
From: General Sherman's Christmas Location 1864
Maybe im a chicken but went out on a Group ride today...Good cause... made my donation...lots of chit chat but when it came time for 250 of us or so to line up and take off I was very uncomfortable. I know most riders take care but when there is that many in a quarter mile lineup doing 55 i start thinkin about just how good the guys and girls around me can ride. By myself I'm a speed demon but when it comes to that big group I start stressin. Toss into that mix watchin the bikers around me downing beers before we leave and it really gets my blood preasure up. Not to sound like a pusssy...am I the only one?
Large groups my guard goes up
I try to be near the last ones..
Everyone starts out and you get the accordian effect for the first 10 miles until everyone figures out the best speed..
i try to avoid them but some charity events you can't
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville, VA
I do not like group rides. 4 or 5 guys from the neighborhood is usually the max. I commute daily and like to ride solo.
I did go to a MC meeting once and the ride afterwards (25-30 bikes) was tedious. I tried it, didn't like it and didn't join the MC.
Yesterday I did participate in Rolling Thunder. 350,000 of your closest riding buddies. Great experience. For me, it was once in a lifetime thing. I wanted to participate in it once so I did. I don't plan on ever doing it again.
I did go to a MC meeting once and the ride afterwards (25-30 bikes) was tedious. I tried it, didn't like it and didn't join the MC.
Yesterday I did participate in Rolling Thunder. 350,000 of your closest riding buddies. Great experience. For me, it was once in a lifetime thing. I wanted to participate in it once so I did. I don't plan on ever doing it again.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Wyo/braska
Group of one-----preferred and as good as it gets!
Group of two-----Company
Group of three--- Crowd
Group of four-----You guys have a good ride. catch ya later
Group of two-----Company
Group of three--- Crowd
Group of four-----You guys have a good ride. catch ya later
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 444
Likes: 166
Amen!!!! From here on in I will make my donation at charity rides, enjoy the conversation with fellow riders, then turn left when they turn right and enjoy my ride. When I am done for the day I will enjoy a cold rum and coke and think about the next group ride I will "participate" in.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 444
Likes: 166
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.
Booch, I think we might have been in the same rainstorm