group rides
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
I came upon a group ride of about 9 or 10 bikes a while back. They were on one of my favorite routes - a twisty windy 2 lane country road and they were going a lot slower than I care for. There were just enough of them that they were impossible to pass as a single group and they were riding so close together that I couldn't pass them a bit at a time. I had to follow them about 7 or 8 miles. Frankly - it pissed me off.
I finally got around them and two or the riders decided to chase me down - as though I'd committed some sort of capital offense (sure - it did involve crossing a solid yellow line). What a bunch of asshats. Curiously none of them were riding Harleys, they were some sort of ragtag Goldwing/Farley crotch rocket riding club. - although I wouldn't put it past Harley riders to behave badly. It's a shame when I can't just go for a ride without other riders clogging up the roads as a group.
I finally got around them and two or the riders decided to chase me down - as though I'd committed some sort of capital offense (sure - it did involve crossing a solid yellow line). What a bunch of asshats. Curiously none of them were riding Harleys, they were some sort of ragtag Goldwing/Farley crotch rocket riding club. - although I wouldn't put it past Harley riders to behave badly. It's a shame when I can't just go for a ride without other riders clogging up the roads as a group.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Mississauga, Ontario
So now all problems with group rides are because people have enough credit to finance a bike????? I'm confused
1HarleyGuy1
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Mississauga, Ontario
1HarleyGuy1
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I came upon a group ride of about 9 or 10 bikes a while back. They were on one of my favorite routes - a twisty windy 2 lane country road and they were going a lot slower than I care for. There were just enough of them that they were impossible to pass as a single group and they were riding so close together that I couldn't pass them a bit at a time. I had to follow them about 7 or 8 miles. Frankly - it pissed me off.
I finally got around them and two or the riders decided to chase me down - as though I'd committed some sort of capital offense (sure - it did involve crossing a solid yellow line). What a bunch of asshats. Curiously none of them were riding Harleys, they were some sort of ragtag Goldwing/Farley crotch rocket riding club. - although I wouldn't put it past Harley riders to behave badly. It's a shame when I can't just go for a ride without other riders clogging up the roads as a group.
I finally got around them and two or the riders decided to chase me down - as though I'd committed some sort of capital offense (sure - it did involve crossing a solid yellow line). What a bunch of asshats. Curiously none of them were riding Harleys, they were some sort of ragtag Goldwing/Farley crotch rocket riding club. - although I wouldn't put it past Harley riders to behave badly. It's a shame when I can't just go for a ride without other riders clogging up the roads as a group.
Were they driving the speed limit? If so, I don't see why you be upset. Some of us still follow traffic laws. If they were going well below the speed limit I could see getting a little upset, and in that case just pull over for a few minutes and let them get way ahead of you.
Don't get me wrong. I'm very impatient with slow drivers, but I do believe in following traffic laws.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
From: Weymouth MA
I love the Large charity rides. Last one I was at was over 1000 bikes at Boston Harley. I always look for escorted also. Others can say what they want about them. But they are the people that like to speed and show boat, so they dont go. I like the out side line and watch for the police passing. Also keep a nice safe distance between you and the front bike.
I also go on pick up rides in local area which average 20 bikes. Doesn't take long to figure out who you should back off of.
Cant wait for the next big ride at Boston Harley on June 3rd
I also go on pick up rides in local area which average 20 bikes. Doesn't take long to figure out who you should back off of.
Cant wait for the next big ride at Boston Harley on June 3rd
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Kickstands up at 11. I leave at 10 45 while they are still chatting. I have the route, make my donation and see them all at the party. Last group ride I did was the love ride in LA. Pretty cool seeing bikes as far in front and behind as you can see. They were spread out over three lanes on the 5 North, people waving from the overpasses. I was around good riders, felt safe and a part of something. The ride home after the party was "Mad Max" and I got out of that group.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
Tried it and don't like it one bit.
Too much testosterone in one place for me. To add fuel to the fire, you chit-chat before you ride, then you ride to a designated destination, using a designated route, then you park the bikes and chit-chat some more.
Pardon me, but I want to RIDE!
Too much testosterone in one place for me. To add fuel to the fire, you chit-chat before you ride, then you ride to a designated destination, using a designated route, then you park the bikes and chit-chat some more.
Pardon me, but I want to RIDE!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,981
Likes: 48
From: Northern Illinois
It all depends on the experience level of the group. I did a ride with the local HOG club the other day and it was a lot of fun, everyone maintained a good stagger and front to back distance.
Yea, it's a little harder to ride with a group, I know some folks just aren't up for it.
You just have to be more careful and give the newer riders more space, after all, we were all a "newer rider" at some point.
To never ride in a group, you are missing a lot of fun rides, and, I do as many Patriot Guard missions as I can, you have to be able to ride in a group with others.
For the folks that are afraid to ride in a group, take a group riding class.
Yea, it's a little harder to ride with a group, I know some folks just aren't up for it.
You just have to be more careful and give the newer riders more space, after all, we were all a "newer rider" at some point.
To never ride in a group, you are missing a lot of fun rides, and, I do as many Patriot Guard missions as I can, you have to be able to ride in a group with others.
For the folks that are afraid to ride in a group, take a group riding class.
