Group Ride Frustration
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 359
Likes: 2
From: USA
WELL...that is exactly why I never ride in a group of more than 3 bikes total and I better know the skill level on the other bike. 2 bikes is perfect for me.
Too hard to please everybody, plus your chances of getting run over by the less experience riders go up as the numbers go up.
You did good, getting them all home safe and not killing one of them with your bare hands. I commend you!
Too hard to please everybody, plus your chances of getting run over by the less experience riders go up as the numbers go up.
You did good, getting them all home safe and not killing one of them with your bare hands. I commend you!
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
Was it a HOG Chapter?
It's what it sounds like. Been there done it. No fun !!
Ya go 60 in a 65 zone. Bump it up to 62 or 64 just trying to get to
the speed limit and you're pulling away from the pack. Then, when you get there, someone complains that you went to slow, or didn't make a
bathroom stop (on an hr or less ride)
There's always something (HOG Rd Cptn for 10+ yrs)
Thanks but no thanks. No more for me!!
It's what it sounds like. Been there done it. No fun !!
Ya go 60 in a 65 zone. Bump it up to 62 or 64 just trying to get to
the speed limit and you're pulling away from the pack. Then, when you get there, someone complains that you went to slow, or didn't make a
bathroom stop (on an hr or less ride)
There's always something (HOG Rd Cptn for 10+ yrs)
Thanks but no thanks. No more for me!!
When I plan I ride with friends I layout the ride with the waypoints and then basically tell everyone to "ride your own ride" and we/I will see everyone at the next rally/stop point and then layout the next section and where the next rally/stop point is and everyone is on their own again.....This allows everyone to proceed at there own pace and surprisingly usually don't end up waiting very long at any of the stops and when there is a real newbie along their ride companion usually says "don't wait for us" we will see everyone at the lunch/dinner stop and if they need anything they will call my cell.
First, just let me say that I f'n hate group rides for this very reason. Second, the guy should have never let his wife ride with a group on her second time out. And, last, I agree that group rides often turn into a "who's the better rider" contest and that's never any fun. The last group ride I took (three years ago) I swear that the leader was so hell bent on proving he could take the curves and hills better than anybody else, he actually missed a fork in the road and took the wrong turn. By the time the rest of us got to it, I realized what had happened and led the group down the correct road to the watering hole. The "leader" never showed up. Prolly too embarrassed or pissed or both. LOL!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Damn man, sorry to hear it. I consider myself to be nice and patient but you got me beat. Yes, I'd have compassion for the newbies and keeping the group together, but I'd also feel an obligation to the rest of the group to keep things moving at an acceptable pace.
At that first stop when your bud got in your face I'd have told him to back off and that HE should be apologizing to the group for bringing someone that green along. Especially without a warning b4 the ride started. I'd have brought the whole group back to let the newbies go home and start my ride over. Or preferably gave them enough directions to get home while I continued the ride with those that are able.
Did you still end up getting a good ride in after this mess concluded?
At that first stop when your bud got in your face I'd have told him to back off and that HE should be apologizing to the group for bringing someone that green along. Especially without a warning b4 the ride started. I'd have brought the whole group back to let the newbies go home and start my ride over. Or preferably gave them enough directions to get home while I continued the ride with those that are able.
Did you still end up getting a good ride in after this mess concluded?
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
Me too man. I enjoy the solitude of riding alone. I can go at my own pace and let my mind escape the daily stress of life. I would be cool riding with a buddy or two, but that's it. The only time I would even consider a large group ride if it were for some sort of fund raising cause.
