Riding like “CHiPs” guys…

[Tx Bohemian]

This past Saturday we were heading North of Austin, for a Thanksgiving celebration, traveling on Loop 130, which has a speed limit of 85 on some sections.
I got the cruise set on our CRV at 85.

Low and behold here come 7 bikers zipping on by me.

These guys were in three pairs side by side and the last one was traveling in the middle of the lane behind the group.
That is not that unusual, but I bet the length from the first bike to the last was no more than two car lengths! DANG CLOSE!!!
And it seemed like the last guy had his front wheel in line with the last pairs’ rear wheels! (maybe not but it sure seemed close!!)

Maybe I’m just getting old but this freaked me out, as I said I was going 85 so this group had to be going 90 or better – so stinkin’ close together!!!
If one of the front guys had a blow out, or his engine locked up, or hit a large pot hole, or had to dodge something in the road, etc… he’d wipe out the whole lot!!!
And maybe a car or two they just past (like me!)!

Their vests had “Tribe of Judah” “Jesus is Lord” emblems.
I googled it and it’s a Christian biker group out of Humble Tx.

I realize that if these guys ride together a lot are probably familiar with each ones riding idiosyncrasies, but still…

Guess they figure if it’s the Lords plan they all die in a crash there’s nothing they can do about it.


Had a buddy that would do that CHiPs thing, that would bug the heck outta me.
We’d be cruising along, and he’d pull alongside to where I’d think he wanted to tell me something but no, he’d just ride along side. I DID not like that!!!

[..]

Guess they figure if it’s the Lords plan they all die in a crash there’s nothing they can do about it.

 

[..]

I don't want someone riding next to me.

I don't someone next to me at a Stop sign / light.

If you can't see my face in my mirror you are in my blind spot and you are not very intelligent.

[Dave Ritsema]

That's just a recipe for disaster. I don't care how well you know or trust the guy next to you, anything within or beyond your control happens and they will take each other out. Do what you will but it's not for me.

[Wizzard]

Had a buddy that would do that CHiPs thing, that would bug the heck outta me.
We’d be cruising along, and he’d pull alongside to where I’d think he wanted to tell me something but no, he’d just ride along side. I DID not like that!!!

I have a friend does the same. I hate it and have told him many times,, stay back to where I can see you in my mirror. Never seems to listen.

[Jess from VA]

I don't want someone riding next to me.  Me neither.

I don't want someone next to me at a Stop sign / light.  With guys I ride with (and trust), we often pull abreast at stops.  One guy pulls up and stops solid (inside or outside), the next guy rolls up safe and slowly beside him (not too close).  Then the first guy leaves alone, before you do, and same behind.  This is how we talk about..... I got to take a leak right now; I'm hungry, when will we eat?;  Did you see those three deer right on the side of the road back there?;  I'm on a quarter tank so be on the lookout;  Dude, one of your headlights is out;  Are you riding your brake, or is your switch sticky?    (I don't do radios)

If you can't see my face in my mirror you are in my blind spot and you are not very intelligent.  Agreed, that's too close.  But if you have some particular reason to get closer than normal (it can happen), come right up in the guy's mirror, don't be a secret squirrel.

And another:  I realize brights is a good idea all day, but if you have lunar landing brightness lights and fogs/spots too, you make my mirrors painful (and nearly useless) in a group, so please dim them.  You're back in the line and the guy in front has his brights on.   A group line of dims is pretty visible. If you insist on running them, please move ahead of me, thanks.

And another:  If we are stopped on some gravel/dirt/sand/Mennonite horse poop at a stop, squawking your tire on launch is not funny.

And another:  I like some spirited cranking and banking fun riding as much as anyone, but when in a group, keep hooligan behavior to a minimum, and impress everyone with how smooth and steady and reliable you are, and hold nice even lines through the turns.  That way everyone has a better day.

[Sorcerer]

We have a guy that likes to be in that blind spot. A few years ago on a ride he was riding at my 4 o- clock. Couldn’t see his front tire a couldn’t see him in the mirror. He keep this up , dropping back then riding back up into my blind spot. I’d had enough. Kept an eye on him and as soon as his bike started to disappear into my blind spot I started easing over on him. The third time I ended up pushing him most of the way across the area between the fog line and dirt. He stayed back but still very close. Most times I just make sure that the butt heads line up ahead of me. A year ago I did push a guy across the center line. Before I get flamed I made sure there was no on coming traffic.

[old2soon]

            Whenever Ross-da prez-and I ride together we are staggered. I will pull up next to him at a stoplight or stop sign to make sure plans haven't changed or say didja see that dumb-! At the briefing on a P G R mission we remind even the old timers  we Ride staggered. We have had problems with first timers or riders who are Not P G R. We here KNOW an escape route Is GONE when some doofus Insists on riding Next to you stead of Staggered. dumb asses. First time I rode with VRCC-Eureka Springs Ar.-I KNEW I had tied up with a cursed good group of RIDERS. I STILL feel that way today!   RIDE SAFE.

[Willow]

I have ridden specifically side by side withn three riders if I remember right and maybe a few more. 

One was an ex-motorcycle policeman with whom we rode to Sturgis.  We rode close enough that a time or two he thought it was cute to reach over and hit my kill switch.  He rode with his girl on the pillion.  I fode solo with my wife riding behind us.

I ride with some regularity next to my wife when we're in a comfortable space.

I rode one down off the plateau with a one armed rider.  We rode at pleasureable speed and spent some time next to one another through downhill sweepers.

There's a particular thrill to riding next to someone you know and trust.  Intelligence?  Motorcyle cops ride side by side.  I'm not sure I would jump to the conclusion that they're all sub standard intellects.

I prefer when riding other than alone that another rider pull up next to me at stop signs and stop lights and that we leave together.  To do otherwise unnecessarily lengthens the stopped traffic.

I rode once in a column with a person who grew up in Great Britain.  I don't ever want to do that again.     

[Wizzard]

I prefer when riding other than alone that another rider pull up next to me at stop signs and stop lights and that we leave together.  To do otherwise unnecessarily lengthens the stopped traffic.

That is the only exception when I want someone riding beside me.

[..]

We have a guy that likes to be in that blind spot. A few years ago on a ride he was riding at my 4 o- clock. Couldn’t see his front tire a couldn’t see him in the mirror. He keep this up , dropping back then riding back up into my blind spot. I’d had enough. Kept an eye on him and as soon as his bike started to disappear into my blind spot I started easing over on him. The third time I ended up pushing him most of the way across the area between the fog line and dirt. He stayed back but still very close. Most times I just make sure that the butt heads line up ahead of me. A year ago I did push a guy across the center line. Before I get flamed I made sure there was no on coming traffic.

I've done the same. Most soon understand but there seems to be some that don't. When I can I will speak to them.

[..]

I prefer when riding other than alone that another rider pull up next to me at stop signs and stop lights and that we leave together.  To do otherwise unnecessarily lengthens the stopped traffic.

That is the only exception when I want someone riding beside me.

When you have to avoid crap in the road it's hard to do so if side by side.

[..]

I have ridden specifically side by side withn three riders if I remember right and maybe a few more. 

One was an ex-motorcycle policeman with whom we rode to Sturgis.  We rode close enough that a time or two he thought it was cute to reach over and hit my kill switch.  He rode with his girl on the pillion.  I fode solo with my wife riding behind us.

I ride with some regularity next to my wife when we're in a comfortable space.

I rode one down off the plateau with a one armed rider.  We rode at pleasureable speed and spent some time next to one another through downhill sweepers.

There's a particular thrill to riding next to someone you know and trust.  Intelligence?  Motorcyle cops ride side by side.  I'm not sure I would jump to the conclusion that they're all sub standard intellects.

I prefer when riding other than alone that another rider pull up next to me at stop signs and stop lights and that we leave together.  To do otherwise unnecessarily lengthens the stopped traffic.

I rode once in a column with a person who grew up in Great Britain.  I don't ever want to do that again.     

Me?

[Gryphon Rider]

I believe that God is sovereign, but also that He allows us to suffer the natural consequences of foolish behaviour.

I enjoy riding with a group of like-minded, competent riders, in staggered formation with a two second following distance between the bikes riding in the same tire track.  Side-by-side at stops, then proceeding as pairs with one accelerating a little harder to get back into staggered formation is more efficient and just as safe as proceeding one at a time.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I believe that God is sovereign, but also that He allows us to suffer the natural consequences of foolish behaviour.

I enjoy riding with a group of like-minded, competent riders, in staggered formation with a two second following distance between the bikes riding in the same tire track.  Side-by-side at stops, then proceeding as pairs with one accelerating a little harder to get back into staggered formation is more efficient and just as safe as proceeding one at a time.

+1. Occasionally I will come up to an unknown to me rider at red light. In these circumstances I will stop behind them.

[Avanti]

I have one and only one rider I trust to ride next to me. He happens to be a knowledgeable and highly skilled rider. We both know when the road conditions are favorable and when they are not for this type of ridding. Done properly and in the right conditions it is very enjoyable. For 80+ you would need a lot of open space to be the right conditions.   

[NautiBrit]

I have ridden specifically side by side withn three riders if I remember right and maybe a few more. 

One was an ex-motorcycle policeman with whom we rode to Sturgis.  We rode close enough that a time or two he thought it was cute to reach over and hit my kill switch.  He rode with his girl on the pillion.  I fode solo with my wife riding behind us.

I ride with some regularity next to my wife when we're in a comfortable space.

I rode one down off the plateau with a one armed rider.  We rode at pleasureable speed and spent some time next to one another through downhill sweepers.

There's a particular thrill to riding next to someone you know and trust.  Intelligence?  Motorcyle cops ride side by side.  I'm not sure I would jump to the conclusion that they're all sub standard intellects.

I prefer when riding other than alone that another rider pull up next to me at stop signs and stop lights and that we leave together.  To do otherwise unnecessarily lengthens the stopped traffic.

I rode once in a column with a person who grew up in Great Britain.  I don't ever want to do that again.     

Me?

Or me?

[..]

I have ridden specifically side by side withn three riders if I remember right and maybe a few more. 

One was an ex-motorcycle policeman with whom we rode to Sturgis.  We rode close enough that a time or two he thought it was cute to reach over and hit my kill switch.  He rode with his girl on the pillion.  I fode solo with my wife riding behind us.

I ride with some regularity next to my wife when we're in a comfortable space.

I rode one down off the plateau with a one armed rider.  We rode at pleasureable speed and spent some time next to one another through downhill sweepers.

There's a particular thrill to riding next to someone you know and trust.  Intelligence?  Motorcyle cops ride side by side.  I'm not sure I would jump to the conclusion that they're all sub standard intellects.

I prefer when riding other than alone that another rider pull up next to me at stop signs and stop lights and that we leave together.  To do otherwise unnecessarily lengthens the stopped traffic.

I rode once in a column with a person who grew up in Great Britain.  I don't ever want to do that again.     

Me?

Or me?

You?

[NautiBrit]

I have ridden specifically side by side withn three riders if I remember right and maybe a few more. 

One was an ex-motorcycle policeman with whom we rode to Sturgis.  We rode close enough that a time or two he thought it was cute to reach over and hit my kill switch.  He rode with his girl on the pillion.  I fode solo with my wife riding behind us.

I ride with some regularity next to my wife when we're in a comfortable space.

I rode one down off the plateau with a one armed rider.  We rode at pleasureable speed and spent some time next to one another through downhill sweepers.

There's a particular thrill to riding next to someone you know and trust.  Intelligence?  Motorcyle cops ride side by side.  I'm not sure I would jump to the conclusion that they're all sub standard intellects.

I prefer when riding other than alone that another rider pull up next to me at stop signs and stop lights and that we leave together.  To do otherwise unnecessarily lengthens the stopped traffic.

I rode once in a column with a person who grew up in Great Britain.  I don't ever want to do that again.     

Me?

Or me?

You?

I now realize that it couldn't have been me. Willow said the person grew up in Great Britain - I've yet to grow up.

[Hooter]

To go along with not wanting someone next to me, I don't want someone riding right behind me. I've almost been hit in the tail side by one of my gawking buddies. If I need to move to avoid something, I don't want to have to take a second look to do so.

Another thing that grinds me is: when riding with 3 or 4 bikes at least one person rides in another time zone. Then they always end up getting the red light everyone else avoided. I used to pull over and wait. Not so much anymore.  If you can't stay with the group you are on your  own. I have one of my friends that has done this for ever. I told him last year, I can't ride with you anymore. I've told him about it for years and it has never sunk in. My reliable and trustworthy riding friend moved to Virginia. I mostly ride alone.

[Jess Tolbirt]

when I ride with someone, at the stop light or sign i will pull up beside and do the hey did you see that?..type of stuff.. usually i am the one that rides behind the leader so when we take off I will take off together but I take off slower and when he is in front of me i will resume normal speeds.

[..]

I have ridden specifically side by side withn three riders if I remember right and maybe a few more. 

One was an ex-motorcycle policeman with whom we rode to Sturgis.  We rode close enough that a time or two he thought it was cute to reach over and hit my kill switch.  He rode with his girl on the pillion.  I fode solo with my wife riding behind us.

I ride with some regularity next to my wife when we're in a comfortable space.

I rode one down off the plateau with a one armed rider.  We rode at pleasureable speed and spent some time next to one another through downhill sweepers.

There's a particular thrill to riding next to someone you know and trust.  Intelligence?  Motorcyle cops ride side by side.  I'm not sure I would jump to the conclusion that they're all sub standard intellects.

I prefer when riding other than alone that another rider pull up next to me at stop signs and stop lights and that we leave together.  To do otherwise unnecessarily lengthens the stopped traffic.

I rode once in a column with a person who grew up in Great Britain.  I don't ever want to do that again.     

Me?

Or me?

You?

I now realize that it couldn't have been me. Willow said the person grew up in Great Britain - I've yet to grow up.

I too have that mind set.

Plus I was born in Singapore and then lived in Cyprus and Germany before living full time in England at age 17.

[..]

when I ride with someone, at the stop light or sign i will pull up beside and do the hey did you see that?..type of stuff.. usually i am the one that rides behind the leader so when we take off I will take off together but I take off slower and when he is in front of me i will resume normal speeds.

You have the presence of mind to be slower at take off. Many do not.

[..]

I had a riding acquaintance who was unable to maintain lane or speed. He would drop back and then zoom forward. Hug the white line and next moment the center line. I never knew if he was 200 yards back or 2 yards back.

Last ride he was suddenly nearly his front wheel next to my rear wheel in a long right sweeper.

I vigorously waved him back. Since that day we have not ridden together. He may have become petulant. Oh well.

[Ramie]

I have to say that the times I've ridden with the Valk group here in Minnesota I've thoroughly enjoyed it.  No one crowds anyone, no one's in a hurry, very relaxing group to ride with. Just wish we could get together more often.