Group Ride Frustration
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 730
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
I like helpin out new folks as well but usually they have put in the tie to at least be comfortable on the bike and speed limits.The ones frustarted should have been the newbies. hopefully they are smart enough to realize they have a long way to go before they are comfortable and can call thenselves a rider. Damn lucky you where as patient as you were.
When we arrived at our destination for lunch my buddies wife said "I'm still learning where the buttons for the blinkers are". I'm thinking he should be working with her in the garage on stuff like that...
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 332
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, WA
One thing everyone should remember. Whether in a large group or a few friends. Each rider is responsible for themselves.
I've been a road captain for a riding club and led as many as 40+ bikes. It's a chore by all means to keep things rolling. I've also road with a few people who think the only way to ride is break-neck speeds. I'm not afraid to speak up and did so when a few of us was riding and one guy was doing stupid stuff. I pulled off of the ride and went my own way. He called me later and was pissed. So be it. It's my life out there and I will do what I deem necessary to keep me and the wife safe as possible.
I've been a road captain for a riding club and led as many as 40+ bikes. It's a chore by all means to keep things rolling. I've also road with a few people who think the only way to ride is break-neck speeds. I'm not afraid to speak up and did so when a few of us was riding and one guy was doing stupid stuff. I pulled off of the ride and went my own way. He called me later and was pissed. So be it. It's my life out there and I will do what I deem necessary to keep me and the wife safe as possible.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,230
Likes: 4
From: Amherst, VA
I agree with most other posters here.
I only ride with my family members if in any group at all.
Wife rides her own and she hates large groups as well.
Her comments are that big groups just brings out the inadequacies in all riders.
I only ride with my family members if in any group at all.
Wife rides her own and she hates large groups as well.
Her comments are that big groups just brings out the inadequacies in all riders.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Been there, done that and will never do it again. No matter what you do, you will never be able to make everyone happy. Was an Road Captain for a couple of years with a club and had enough of the BS. I now ride 99.9% for the time alone.
People need to understand what is involved in riding with a group. You ride your own ride and to your own abilities.
People need to understand what is involved in riding with a group. You ride your own ride and to your own abilities.
Last edited by Beanerflhx; Jul 9, 2012 at 10:19 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
There's a group of guys I have ridden with in the past that always want to do the same loop ride. This ride takes us through several small towns. These guys stop in every town for a cup of coffee and to take a leak. They always top off their tanks, too. A 200 mile loop that should take 4 hours at most ends up taking 6-8 hours. I have too many things to do to waste half a day hanging out in the parking lot of a Circle K.
I don't think I could handle your job! Lot's of responsibility up there in the lead. I think that even with a group of skilled riders the line tends to stretch out at times. Riders minds sometimes wander and they slow a bit without realizing it, or maybe they are enjoying the scenery you are treating them to. I rode with 15 yesterday and I would say all were skilled riders. The line would stretch at times but never so far that I could not see the last bike from near the front of the pack.
Group rides do require some extra skills, like riding a tight stagger. Any rider not comfortable with stagger and doing the speed limit on twisties probably should not be in the group.
Anyway, I really appreciate a good road captain. So here's to all you guys out there!!
Group rides do require some extra skills, like riding a tight stagger. Any rider not comfortable with stagger and doing the speed limit on twisties probably should not be in the group.
Anyway, I really appreciate a good road captain. So here's to all you guys out there!!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 532
Likes: 9
I don't do group rides for that reason. You invite a couple of buds then they invite a couple of their co-workers and the next thing you know, you have forty people bitching. I have found that this works well for the complainers "Keep up or go home."
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