Lead or follow?

[rogueleader_92]

I have always tried to be the back bike in a pair or #2 or further back in a pack, normally it never seemed to matter because if lead decided to take off the rest could keep pace. The only time this was not the case was with my brother on his ninja while I was on a 97 valkyrie, he insisted I take lead because I was "slower".

Last weekend I went out with a buddy who just got a old 1100 shadow and he insisted I take lead thinking he would just keep up. For the most part i played nice, but as we were getting on the freeway coming back I opened it up a bit, maybe 50% throttle and left him in the dust. We got back to my place and he said he was full open and had no chance of matching me.

So do you prefer to lead or follow?

[AdrianR]

So do you prefer to lead or follow?

This really depends on whom I am riding with.  I don't ride with all that many as most guys I am friends with do not own bikes.  But the few that do I am usually in the lead.  Bottom line my navigation skills are decent...  I ride more aggressively as well... although that has diminished somewhat as the years pile on for obvious reasons mainly SPEEDING TICKETS ( ) but, I generally have a more upbeat metabolism so I like a brisk, yet rationally sane pace.  This usually puts me in the lead.

btw..that Shadow 1100 must have been the slow, single pinned Ace model..or just not running right. Probably after market pipes without the proper jetting.  My Sabre 1100, although obviously not as quick or powerful, could 'keep up' with the Valk given enough time.  The Bike running corn free fuel and jetted properly produced around 70 ponies, but weighed under 600lbs wet...  I use to cruise my Sabre at 90-100mph, and it had plenty of throttle left...

[_Sheffjs_]

I find myself leading most of the rides we do and I also get in trouble for going too fast.   

I like to find new roads and study my rides using mental Google map pictures of intersections (mostly country rides) as I do not use GPS for Florida rides.  Not something I would try in the smoky mountains.  Well maybe I would but I would have GPS handy.     And I would have to buy one.   

I like to lead so I can blast at times.  I feel trapped when not in the lead, doesn't mean I am some kind of skilled racer moreover I like to zing some times. Ok a lot.   

[dinosnake]

I prefer riding solo, and although I started riding with others regularly just 4 years ago doing so ended up, in the long run, only reminding me more of that fact.

But, that said, I usually prefer to follow.  I have reasons; I'm very thoughtful, so if I lead I spend way too much time worrying about those who are following rather than enjoy the ride.  I have a habit of riding fast so that is just another worry, to wonder if they are safely keeping up or ride conscientious of their needs and not enjoy myself as much.  And on to of that I'm "aggressively defensive" while riding, actively anticipating bad situations and acting early to try to avoid them, which means that for example I'll move away from merging traffic and that means my followers need to move with me, and that's yet more to plan for on top of the defensive driving calculations.

Better for me to be in the middle where I have buffers that allow my mind to relax rather than working overtime in concern for other's safety, hoping that I can get some form of enjoyment from the ride.  I'm still constantly calculating whether or not the leader is riding safe, and whether or not I would break formation when I think he is not, but at least that's less calculations.  At least following removes a few variables.

[RDAbull]

I like to be the tail gunner.  If someone coming up on us can't see my red & white trike with the trailer we are all going to get run over for sure.  I also like to keep an eye on the folks in the ride. I carry a tool kit, some extra parts and figure we can always catch up if anyone needs help. 
BTW, I carry a tool kit in case I run into someone who knows how to use it, so a good mechanic needs to stop also.

The view from the back is cool.

[hubcapsc]

I like to be the tail gunner.  If someone coming up on us can't see my red & white trike with the trailer we are all going to get run over for sure.  I also like to keep an eye on the folks in the ride. I carry a tool kit, some extra parts and figure we can always catch up if anyone needs help. 
BTW, I carry a tool kit in case I run into someone who knows how to use it, so a good mechanic needs to stop also.

The view from the back is cool.

Riding right in front of  your rig down a gravelly hill with a turn
at the bottom is real exciting 

-Mike

[RDAbull]

I like to be the tail gunner.  If someone coming up on us can't see my red & white trike with the trailer we are all going to get run over for sure.  I also like to keep an eye on the folks in the ride. I carry a tool kit, some extra parts and figure we can always catch up if anyone needs help. 
BTW, I carry a tool kit in case I run into someone who knows how to use it, so a good mechanic needs to stop also.

The view from the back is cool.

Riding right in front of  your rig down a gravelly hill with a turn
at the bottom is real exciting 

-Mike

Just trying to make sure you are paying attention Mike.
The truck and trailer coming around the corner did have a tendency to make the tires squeal a bit when I had a choice between the truck or the wall.