group rides
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 444
Likes: 166
group rides
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?
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 513
Likes: 3
From: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
I absolutely "hate" riding in a group, you're not alone!! When I ride, my goal is to stay out of traffic - if a group is ahead of me I pass and drive fast until they're no longer in sight, if they're behind me up on my *** I'll drive fast to get rid of them, I'll even dry slow to let people get away from me... I need my space on my bike!!!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
I absolutely "hate" riding in a group, you're not alone!! When I ride, my goal is to stay out of traffic - if a group is ahead of me I pass and drive fast until they're no longer in sight, if they're behind me up on my *** I'll drive fast to get rid of them, I'll even dry slow to let people get away from me... I need my space on my bike!!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 11
From: El Paso, Texas
I've ridden in Groups before. Had seen 4 or 5 accidents, and was almost hit twice by riders behind Me. I told Myself no more. I ride By myself or with a couple of friends who I know "RIDE SAFE".
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I've done a few group rides and had one bad experience. When I met up at the start I should have known...all sport bikes. I tried to keep up for an hour and then rode home myself...wasn't my idea of fun.
I went on a 600 bike group ride for charity and it was wonderful. It's all in the organization and the standards set. Plus quite a few voluntary police don't hurt. Never had to stop for a light, they blocked off the lanes when we came through. They also broke it down into groups of 100 and spaced them 20 minutes apart.
I would rather ride with a group of 5 or under but if its organized properly then the big rides can be ok. Wouldn't want to do it more then once a year though
I went on a 600 bike group ride for charity and it was wonderful. It's all in the organization and the standards set. Plus quite a few voluntary police don't hurt. Never had to stop for a light, they blocked off the lanes when we came through. They also broke it down into groups of 100 and spaced them 20 minutes apart.
I would rather ride with a group of 5 or under but if its organized properly then the big rides can be ok. Wouldn't want to do it more then once a year though
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA area
I ride in groups fairly often. Have been in as many as 1,200 bikes in a state patrol escorted charity ride but usually in 10-30 bike club rides. Only had problem once and talked to the guy at the stop. Tried to be nice and offer constructive criticism to him. It was his first club ride and his last.
I have heard about other issues from time to time, usually with newer riders. All in all though, the club does a good job of policing its own and teaching riders the proper dos and don'ts.
I have heard about other issues from time to time, usually with newer riders. All in all though, the club does a good job of policing its own and teaching riders the proper dos and don'ts.
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I absolutely "hate" riding in a group, you're not alone!! When I ride, my goal is to stay out of traffic - if a group is ahead of me I pass and drive fast until they're no longer in sight, if they're behind me up on my *** I'll drive fast to get rid of them, I'll even dry slow to let people get away from me... I need my space on my bike!!!
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 207
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta, GA
There are two words that I look for. "Escorted" or "Charity" ride. Either one of those words usually means that half of the people participating in the ride don't have enough experience to be on the ride.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 14
From: Baltimore
With the club I sometimes ride with 15-25 bikes. I prefer to ride with 4-6 bikes. Rode with a group of 4 one time and the guy in the back had a new to him bike. He would let 1/4 mile get between us then twist the throttle and be doing 80 to catch up then have to hit the brakes to keep from running over us. Haven't ridden with him since. Have a trip planned for Little Grand Canyon this weekend and so far about 8-9 say they are going. At least I will be up front leading this ride. I enjoy setting the crusie control and enjoying the tunes and the ride. Hate it when the bike in front has pipes so loud I have to use the tac to shift gears as I can't hear my bike running. Some 35+ years ago I rode to a motorcross with 4-5 guys. Some had staright pipes and it was a race from the time we started even through towns with a 25 mph limit. How we never got a speeding tight I don't know. I had to keep up as I didn't know where we were going. Never rode with them again.