Goup Rides

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MASHBY · #1 Unread post by **MASHBY** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 5:57 am

Just a question I am curious about.If you are going on a large group ride with say 10 people would you prefer to:
A Have everyone stay at the same speed so you get people acting up
B Have designated stops where everyone regroups (Gas Station etc)
C Have everyone choose their own speed no designated stops and meet at the destination.

Let me know
Cheers

Sarek · #2 Unread post by **Sarek** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:31 am

If everyone goes the same speed, you're either stuck going slow or trying to go fast. Those are both opinions really-"fast" and "slow".
I've been on 2 group rides so far. On the 1st one we had periodic stops at preplanned places. At first I was stuck behind some really slow riders. I was thinking it's not nice to pass people when in a group, so I didn't. At the first stop we regrouped and I stayed with the same 3 guys the rest of the ride. It was never a large group all staying together. The overall ride was awesome!!
On my 2nd ride, it was a large group (close to 40) trying to stay together. I started in the front and people were passing me. I picked a harley to follow and didn't get passed anymore. I noticed a lot during my 2nd ride. Like, just because people are riding in a group doesn't mean they know what they are doing. Or that they know the rules. It also doesn't mean they have the skills really to be riding in a group. When I decided to keep up with the harleys, I did it with no problem. But I rode faster than I normally ride. I can see what might happen if a brand new biker tried it.

My opinion on this poll is that group rides with periodic preplanned stops will reduce people trying to outride their skills and make a better ride. A ride with no stops might not seem like a group ride. All the fast riders would leave the slow pokes behind.

MASHBY · #3 Unread post by **MASHBY** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:36 am

Cheers Sarek that pretty much somes up my views.Thats the nice thing about stops you naturaly find your own group who will go your speed but meet up with everyone again at the stops.

oldnslo · #4 Unread post by **oldnslo** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:20 pm

I would rather have my bike fall on me in the garage than go on a ride with a group of 10. If forced to go on such a ride, I would try to lose the group at the earliest opportunity.

Toyuzu · #5 Unread post by **Toyuzu** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:30 pm

I think having pre-determined re-grouping spots gives everyone the freedom to "ride their own ride". There will be less chance of an inexperienced rider trying to keep up with the quicker bikes and crashing. Much more relaxed that way.

old-n-slow · Mon Apr 18, 2005 2:13 pm

The Southern Cruisers riding club (multiple chapters throughout north america) regularly do group rides. With them, it is important to remain in formation and ride safe. Anyone who is not happy with traveling in the group would be encouraged to leave, or outright told to if they choose to ride in a disruptive manner.

The ride Captain will stop periodically as determined by general consensus, either for fuel, coffee or smoke break, whatever. There will always be an ultimate destination. Part of the enjoyment of the ride is the camaraderie among the riders. Mavericks who prefer to ride alone will not stay with the group for long, nor are they likely to be missed.

Optimusprime · Mon Apr 18, 2005 2:51 pm

Yeah so if I wanted to go on a ride by myself, I could. If I wanted to meet people somewhere and just hang out, I suppose I could do that too. But when I like to go on a group ride, there is nothing like riding right along with the others. Sure it's a little frustrating some times when the person in front is going too slow, or too fast (like that ever happens), but I think its worth it to have that brotherhood. Plus if you ride with the same people a lot you start to read how they ride. You learn how they will react and you know what to expect. Plus it encourages all of us to be better, safer, riders. To me THAT is motorcycle riding at its best.

Shawn

Ladymx · #8 Unread post by **Ladymx** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 6:39 pm

sarek said 'because people are riding in a group doesn't mean they know what they are doing. Or that they know the rules. It also doesn't mean they have the skills really to be riding in a group.'

This has been some of my experience with riding in a group. Its some of the inexpereienced riders and over zellus riders, that have been the ones that have caused accidents amoung the group of riders they are riding with. It takes time and patience to get use to riding with the same riders, but even then accidents can happen no matter how careful you are.

I give a moment to the friends I have lost already, and hope I dont lose any more.

poppygene · #9 Unread post by **poppygene** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 1:42 am

If it's a group of more than 3 or 4, I'd just as soon take the bus.

pinger05 · #10 Unread post by **pinger05** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 2:18 am

poppygene wrote:If it's a group of more than 3 or 4, I'd just as soon take the bus.

Icky Icky Bus!!!!

Here in Southren California no one takes the bus!! Espically if you have a motorcycle!!!