Group Ride Frustration
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
That's a group that never should have been riding together. Hate to say it but as an experienced road captain maybe you should have pulled the plug on the ride early on when you realized it wasn't going to work out.
Also, since you went to the trouble to plan out the ride, why not email the route to all the riders so if any get separated they will know where to go.
BTW, I understand your frustration.
Also, since you went to the trouble to plan out the ride, why not email the route to all the riders so if any get separated they will know where to go.
BTW, I understand your frustration.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I've rode in these rolling road blocks. Could not stand it!! Total *** holes that don't care about anyone else on the road. If ya have 5 cars behind ya pull over! Even if are holding up anyone, pull over! Better yet, get off the road!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
Exactly why I do not ride on toy runs, large poker runs etc....to many first time out riders...
I have a couple of friends that ride together....that's fine..but large groups? No thanks...to dangerous.....
Hope your next ride is a lot better....
I have a couple of friends that ride together....that's fine..but large groups? No thanks...to dangerous.....
Hope your next ride is a lot better....
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 3
From: Styxville
Sounds like your buddies need to get their wives into some serious rider training before they end up single. And more than just the one or two-day MSF basics.
If they don't have the skills/confidence to ride the speed limit, they are not ready to be out on the public roads on a motorcycle.
They said themselves they wanted to turn around and go home. I would have sent them on their way.
If they don't have the skills/confidence to ride the speed limit, they are not ready to be out on the public roads on a motorcycle.
They said themselves they wanted to turn around and go home. I would have sent them on their way.
Some good suggestion just repeating some.
Depending on the situation we normaly have two or even three different groups. Depending on skill level. If the guy wants to ride with his wife then he need to ride with the slow group.
If we don't split up and we are close to same skill level everyone will ride their own ride and they can catch up at gas station or resturant.
I consider myself a medium level aggressive rider I don't like living on the edge.
I have friends that say if you are not living on the edge you are taking up to much room.
My wife is a new pilot and I would not let her ride with any group yet.
Depending on the situation we normaly have two or even three different groups. Depending on skill level. If the guy wants to ride with his wife then he need to ride with the slow group.
If we don't split up and we are close to same skill level everyone will ride their own ride and they can catch up at gas station or resturant.
I consider myself a medium level aggressive rider I don't like living on the edge.
I have friends that say if you are not living on the edge you are taking up to much room.
My wife is a new pilot and I would not let her ride with any group yet.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma
On a group ride, you ride the pace of the slowest rider. I'd never leave someone behind only cause I have had it done to me cause they did not like my girlfriend.
I think you need a new group of riding buddies. They will not chose you above their wives..
I think you need a new group of riding buddies. They will not chose you above their wives..
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
This kind of crap is why I won't usually ride with a group. I have a bunch of buddies who all ride Harleys and we are all seasoned riders and don't have to deal with rookies. Avoiding "busy roads" is a big red flag. Sure, it's more fun to ride back roads than urban freeways, but my guess is they made that request because they are afraid of riding in traffic. I'm sorry, but if you're going to have a long, healthy riding career you need to be able to deal with traffic.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 153
From: Snow Mexico
Agreed 1000%. I have a lot of patience for noobs, but there is no way that anyone should have brought one unannounced on a group ride. And it sounds like more than one person was guilty of this.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Just reading about this crap is pissing me off! I hate having to go 40 in a 55 or 50 in a 65 cuz of the friggin noobs! The posted speed limit is the speed limit for a reason, it's not a suggestion! This is exactly why I don't ever do stupid poker/charity runs anymore. Absolute waste of time!