End of an Era!

[Ice]

My friends, the end of an era has come, the legendary Smokin Joe has resigned as our leader of most group rides. Can I blame him? NO!! Joe has probably organized more rides than anyone else (hell probably than everyone else combined), however this last one gave him the rest.
It seems that the last couple of years something has changed, the group rides have had major issues, I am not sure what it exactly is, however last years MITM was already an omen for Joe that he may not want to do this anymore, and this years 11-13 hour ride or nightmare (from the reports I heard) was the straw that finally broke his back.
That all said, it makes me sad to see the last great group organizer retired, (I wont say quit, he retired) and it makes me wonder, now what? How many more group rides will there be? Or will there be any group rides? Yes, there are other rides and organizers and no, I am not trying to knock them, but Joe's rides are rides of legend, just alone the "lighting fires and kicking tires" after the ride are something you do NOT write home about.  
Joe my friend I understand your decision and I support it, the last few years have been different than before and I am not sure what that is, different people? Or different mentality? Not sure what, but there has been a change.
Thank you for all the rides you have organized and all the great times that were had. I feel it a privilege that I got to ride side by side with you on a few occasions.
Cant wait to share the wind (not just the parking lot) with you soon, ride hard, ride safe.

[MP]

True?

Am sorry to hear it if so.  Made one ride with Joe and Friends.  I live too far away for many.  It was great. ALWAYS enjoyed the ride reports.  I do know it is a lot of work and worry.  Kind of like herding cats at times!

MP

[Oss]

Joe has been there for us (along with Highbinder) but so has Doc Moose with the early Indiana rides, and Rainman (Steve) who has taken over the mantle, Taz does his Praire du Chen ride and Chrome and Rick do the Powwow's every memorial day or therabouts  RedValk did Cheaha and DOTS (my personal favorite of them all)

And dont forget our own administrators who put on Inzane every year

I hosted one powwow and I have been pretty darn frustrated just trying to get my own Columbus weekend series of rides what with the hotel prices and these liberals scaring away potential riders (just kidding baldo and meathead)  I have 4 bikes possibly committed to coming if the weather holds from out of state.

We may not all agree politically (there is an understatement) but we all  have this love for the Valkyrie and get along once we are together

I am just really pretty damn proud to consider Joe a friend and if he wants to retire from doing the job of trying to herd cats on these long rides well I am ok with it.  

The joke in my house is I can keep up with Joe just fine, until he leaves the parking lot, but seriously he does his best to keep the group together what with the different abilities of the riders.

My suggestion is that in future group rides, people be HONEST and state are they a rose sniffer rider or peg dragger and that the group hand out a piece of paper like at a poker run with turns and stops shown so all can enjoy the ride at their own pace and so the leader does not lose the joy of riding his or her ride.  

Ice it was a pleasure seeing you again and hope to see you at future events  We have not seen the last of Joe be sure of that, once he retires he will be riding like DDT

[Ice]

Evan, your right we have not seen the last of Joe, but I do believe that Joe is done with the group rides (or the lager ones). I am sure Joe will continue to have his closer (Wild Bunch comes to mind) riding buddies together, however when I saw him on Saturday he was truly done with the big rides.
You nailed it right on the head about the rose sniffers and the peg grinders, in recent years I have noticed a lot of (not sure the right name for it) testosterone or machismo coming to the forefront on rides. Many of the new or newer riders have to ride up front even if they do not have the ability to keep the pace and thus causing the squeeze box affect of slow down, speed up, do it all over again. I personally have been cut off by some that feel the need to be closer to the front especially when Joe was leading, and the next thing was that the back of the group would fall behind. It used to be that you fell in and rode there was none of this "I need to be up front with the cool kids", it is one of the many changes I have noticed in recent years.
Look forward to riding with you in the future.

[Wizzard]

very sorry to hear this. Joe's rides were epic, but can't say I blame him after reading reports from the latest ride.
Yep,, things are a changing.

Thanks for all you have done Joe. Greatly appreciated.

[DDT (12)]

Folks who bother to put these rides on fascinate me! The amount of effort is much more than any of us can know, and the 'rewards' never approach the amount of grief they receive. Negative feedback always outweighs any positive comments, and most of us can't appreciate the fretting, worrying, and apprehension these good people bear just to pull off a decent event.

It pleases me to know and witness these events do take place, and that there are selfless folks willing to make them happen. I applaud them as do others, but I can certainly understand how burnout occurs and 'retirement' follows...

As mentioned, SmokinJoe is a legend in this regard. His unique personality alone is a huge draw, his riding skill is amazing, and his willingness to bite the bullet and allow the rest of us to tag along is nothing short of magnanimous... I hate that this day has come; but, frankly, I've been expecting it for a long time. If there is any surprise at all, it is that things have lasted as long as they have.

Thanks, Joe, your contributions have been enormous... While I treasure your friendship more than anything else, I do sincerely appreciate and respect all you have done for our organization and for us personally. You truly are 'an impact player'...

DDT

[Gryphon Rider]

Having been Road Captain in the local CMA chapter, and also having led road rides as an instructor, I know how much effort goes into organizing a group ride, and I understand the stress of leading them on the road.  It makes it a pleasurable relief when I can ride sweep, or just be a part of the group.  I can understand the need to quit.

For the three InZanes I have attended so far, my one regret is not being part of a group ride led by Smokin' Joe.  I think I am a fairly good rider, and like to ride fast through the twisties, so it would have been a learning experience to ride with someone like him.

[solo1]

My thanks to Joe too.  Although I've never ridden with him, I sure appreciated his constant determination to 'lead the way'

Also , as Evan said, there were and are others who did or are presently keeping group rides alive. For example, Doc Morse and the CBR. Rainman (Steve) has taken over in place of the CBR.

Other than recognizing the work involved, i'm not one to participate in group ride. I always preferred to ride solo or just with my family. I never felt comfortable because i didn't know the experience of riders around me.

Again, thank you Joe for doing it for a long time!

[..]

For quite a few years I did the Memorial Day ride and tried splitting groups into rose sniffers etc.

It seemed too many didn't want to be seen as a rose sniffer and consequently got themselves in positions causing major butt puckers.

Most were lucky and suffered bruised egos.
BUT a few ended up hurt and bikes damaged.

That's why I stopped doing the ride after 6 or 7 or however many years it was.

RANT ON FROM HERE. 

Part of the problem is some riders DO NOT WANT TO LEARN THE RULES OF GROUP RIDING.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IS IT'S NOT A F'IN RACE. Something that many seem unable to comprehend.

Then there's the wait for the rider behind you at a turn if you can't see them behind you rule.

Some are simply F'IN unable to get this into the their thick skulls. Either they are stoopid, selfish, stoopid, suffer from separation anxiety, stoopid, or scared of getting lost. How the F' can you get lost? If you go to ride in a new area and you don't have GPS on your bike or phone and you then don't carry a map then you are stoopid.

Then there's the rider who waits until the last moment before getting ready to ride. EVERYONE else around them is gloved and helmeted and they are still flapping their mouths and making the rest of the group sit and wait. You can't get dressed and talk at the same time? If your coordination is that bad perhaps you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle.

Then there's the rider who thinks that his bike is in some way magical and doesn't need to get fuel when others on the same model bike are filling up and then needs to stop 30 miles down the road.

Then there's the rider who doesn't ever use hand signals to help advise riders behind who may not be able to see the rider ahead brake light or turn signals. If someone ahead of you is using hand signals maybe the riders behind you would like to be advised of the same information. THINK THINK THINK for F's sake about the riders behind you.

Then there's the rider who doesn't ride staggered. F'in Really!!! If you don't know  this then please go away and educate yourself. Cause you are a rolling hazard to the riders around you. Especially the ones who move from side to side in the lane as they are rolling down the road.

Then there's the rider who has to be constantly F'in with their gps, their music etc whilst slowing, speeding, weaving down the road. You complain about distracted cage drivers yet you can't look at your self and see what a hazard you are to the riders around you.

Then there's the rider who whines about "when's lunch" or doesn't like the lunch stop. IT'S A FRICKING GROUP RIDE and the leader is doing his F'in best to accommodate EVERYONE not just your whinging ass.

Then there's the rider who stops in the middle of the lane at a traffic light or stop sign blocking the lead rider from being able to see the tail end of the group in his mirrors.

There's more gentle reader but my blood pressure is up enough.

RANT OFF and flame suit on and secure.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Man, you guys are making me realize what a good group of riders the SoCal chapter guys are. The only issue that we've had on my rides with them was my fault. My wife had invited a couple to go with us on the Eastern AZ ride. I had only done one short ride with them before but was assured they were up for it. They rode separate bikes , his a VTX and hers a 750 Shadow trike. Her fuel range was 80 miles and I ended up buying a gas can and carrying it in a saddlebag. Going uphill she could barely pull 55 mph. On the Devils Hiway she was struggling thru the corners. Luckily the guys were very forgiving of me and we made it thru the 4 days. But I learned a valuable lesson . Every other ride has been great. On group rides I like having the CB to be appraised of anything coming up. But now that we've switched over to the Sena I'm going to have to get a Bluetooth for the CB.

[Oss]

lol Paul you hit most of em on the head

Before each ride I remind the group watch for the rider in back
if light turns red please stop dont run the light
we will wait for you at side of road where safe to do so

and also I go over hand signals including the one for SPEED UP, cop ahead and dead squirrel

finally all cb on channel 3 or whatever channel is clearest

[The emperor has no clothes]

lol Paul you hit most of em on the head

Before each ride I remind the group watch for the rider in back
if light turns red please stop dont run the light
we will wait for you at side of road where safe to do so

and also I go over hand signals including the one for SPEED UP, cop ahead and dead squirrel

finally all cb on channel 3 or whatever channel is clearest

Uh oh. I'm going to have to learn the dead squirrel sign for the Catskills ride ? 

[Karen]

Britman, you could have not said it better! This past weekend, I was able to enjoy a MA ride, some newcomers, some old, on some wonderfully curvy hilly roads. I took sweep (the trike fits better back there), and was delighted at how smoothly the ride went. Not a lot of hand signals, but they were there when needed. Everyone was paying attention, and not just depending on the person  ahead of them to look out for problems. I've previously ridden with groups where I decided I would not ride with the group if certain people were involved. 9 bikes are easier to keep together than 30, for sure, but the principles don't change. My New England friends made the ride a real joy!

[hubcapsc]

Me and Stanley Steamer did a ride from InZane in Asheville. We'd ridden all the roads
together before and both knew what to do where to go. Some people left the ride
along the way, and some lagged pretty far behind at times, but Stanley Steamer
would roll in at the next stop and we'd know there was nobody stuck on the side
of the road. A big group peeled off at the lunch place, and some needed help to get
back, so I asked around of the ones I knew were leaving and found someone who
was enthusiastic (T-Bird) about seeing to it that the New York folks didn't feel
lost.

I lead two other riders back from the Meet In The Middle ride. I did things
like split second decisions to bolt through traffic to head down side roads
I'd never heard  of, I think we all liked it, but you can't do that on an
organized ride. I left the wrong way twice out of parking lots, but
I never claimed to really know where I was going.

A steady diet of the first kind of ride would really make me miss
the second kind of ride...

-Mike

[bill-jr]

Britman your number one rule "its not an F'n race"
So what how long it took us to get there ?
We all had fun
Hell i slowed for bikes behind me that were not even there anymore and beat me to the hotel ..
The one and only problem i seen on this ride was themiles it took to get there 350 some miles and trying to keep everyone together is impossible ..
Joes gonna give up beause he had to wait for the rose sniffers ?
Because some had to wait for others to catch up ?
When we left lunch at 4ish with 158 miles of BrP left i knew it was gonna be a long night .....
Dont give up joe i know your not the quiting type
With those "big ole nuts" of yours ... Lets tweek the system and try again next time ....
Id be glad to help in anyway even leading the rose sniffers to the destination if need be .... I know waiting on other riders sucks......
Under 200 miles and we would have been fine....
Hell i enjoyed everybit of it ....  
The way home I took 58 i think it was thru virginia to i-81 and saw a bear run right across the road
In front of me pretty freakin Cool ......

[henry 008]

end of an era, indeed 

"Thanks, Joe, your contributions have been enormous... While I treasure your friendship more than anything else, I do sincerely appreciate and respect all you have done for our organization and for us personally. You truly are 'an impact player'..."

me too. 

I really liked heading to the Ashville area for any of Joe's rides. I will miss that ride for sure if they quit altogether.  sorry I won't see you at the DRU. ride safe, brother.

[Mr Whiskey]

For quite a few years I did the Memorial Day ride and tried splitting groups into rose sniffers etc.

It seemed too many didn't want to be seen as a rose sniffer and consequently got themselves in positions causing major butt puckers.

Most were lucky and suffered bruised egos.
BUT a few ended up hurt and bikes damaged.

That's why I stopped doing the ride after 6 or 7 or however many years it was.

RANT ON FROM HERE. 

Part of the problem is some riders DO NOT WANT TO LEARN THE RULES OF GROUP RIDING.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IS IT'S NOT A F'IN RACE. Something that many seem unable to comprehend.

Then there's the wait for the rider behind you at a turn if you can't see them behind you rule.

Some are simply F'IN unable to get this into the their thick skulls. Either they are stoopid, selfish, stoopid, suffer from separation anxiety, stoopid, or scared of getting lost. How the F' can you get lost? If you go to ride in a new area and you don't have GPS on your bike or phone and you then don't carry a map then you are stoopid.

Then there's the rider who waits until the last moment before getting ready to ride. EVERYONE else around them is gloved and helmeted and they are still flapping their mouths and making the rest of the group sit and wait. You can't get dressed and talk at the same time? If your coordination is that bad perhaps you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle.

Then there's the rider who thinks that his bike is in some way magical and doesn't need to get fuel when others on the same model bike are filling up and then needs to stop 30 miles down the road.

Then there's the rider who doesn't ever use hand signals to help advise riders behind who may not be able to see the rider ahead brake light or turn signals. If someone ahead of you is using hand signals maybe the riders behind you would like to be advised of the same information. THINK THINK THINK for F's sake about the riders behind you.

Then there's the rider who doesn't ride staggered. F'in Really!!! If you don't know  this then please go away and educate yourself. Cause you are a rolling hazard to the riders around you. Especially the ones who move from side to side in the lane as they are rolling down the road.

Then there's the rider who has to be constantly F'in with their gps, their music etc whilst slowing, speeding, weaving down the road. You complain about distracted cage drivers yet you can't look at your self and see what a hazard you are to the riders around you.

Then there's the rider who whines about "when's lunch" or doesn't like the lunch stop. IT'S A FRICKING GROUP RIDE and the leader is doing his F'in best to accommodate EVERYONE not just your whinging ass.

Then there's the rider who stops in the middle of the lane at a traffic light or stop sign blocking the lead rider from being able to see the tail end of the group in his mirrors.

There's more gentle reader but my blood pressure is up enough.

RANT OFF and flame suit on and secure.

Please forgive me Brother (ya know I love ya an all)
but that's way to many d@mn rules to have very much fun.

      Hey Joey
"Bring it, lets ride!"

[..]

For quite a few years I did the Memorial Day ride and tried splitting groups into rose sniffers etc.

It seemed too many didn't want to be seen as a rose sniffer and consequently got themselves in positions causing major butt puckers.

Most were lucky and suffered bruised egos.
BUT a few ended up hurt and bikes damaged.

That's why I stopped doing the ride after 6 or 7 or however many years it was.

RANT ON FROM HERE. 

Part of the problem is some riders DO NOT WANT TO LEARN THE RULES OF GROUP RIDING.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IS IT'S NOT A F'IN RACE. Something that many seem unable to comprehend.

Then there's the wait for the rider behind you at a turn if you can't see them behind you rule.

Some are simply F'IN unable to get this into the their thick skulls. Either they are stoopid, selfish, stoopid, suffer from separation anxiety, stoopid, or scared of getting lost. How the F' can you get lost? If you go to ride in a new area and you don't have GPS on your bike or phone and you then don't carry a map then you are stoopid.

Then there's the rider who waits until the last moment before getting ready to ride. EVERYONE else around them is gloved and helmeted and they are still flapping their mouths and making the rest of the group sit and wait. You can't get dressed and talk at the same time? If your coordination is that bad perhaps you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle.

Then there's the rider who thinks that his bike is in some way magical and doesn't need to get fuel when others on the same model bike are filling up and then needs to stop 30 miles down the road.

Then there's the rider who doesn't ever use hand signals to help advise riders behind who may not be able to see the rider ahead brake light or turn signals. If someone ahead of you is using hand signals maybe the riders behind you would like to be advised of the same information. THINK THINK THINK for F's sake about the riders behind you.

Then there's the rider who doesn't ride staggered. F'in Really!!! If you don't know  this then please go away and educate yourself. Cause you are a rolling hazard to the riders around you. Especially the ones who move from side to side in the lane as they are rolling down the road.

Then there's the rider who has to be constantly F'in with their gps, their music etc whilst slowing, speeding, weaving down the road. You complain about distracted cage drivers yet you can't look at your self and see what a hazard you are to the riders around you.

Then there's the rider who whines about "when's lunch" or doesn't like the lunch stop. IT'S A FRICKING GROUP RIDE and the leader is doing his F'in best to accommodate EVERYONE not just your whinging ass.

Then there's the rider who stops in the middle of the lane at a traffic light or stop sign blocking the lead rider from being able to see the tail end of the group in his mirrors.

There's more gentle reader but my blood pressure is up enough.

RANT OFF and flame suit on and secure.

Please forgive me Brother (ya know I love ya an all)
but that's way to many d@mn rules to have very much fun.

      Hey Joey
"Bring it, lets ride!"

That's why small groups of riders who know each other are best.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Just letting you know I read this ... Thanks

This ONE ride " Meet In The Middle " has left a bad taste in my mouth starting last year with two bikes down and four people hurt . As I stated in another thread I should have ended my part of this ride then . I'll take some of the responsibility for underestimating how long it would take to get there and I will say I don't remember much about " riding " on the ride but I damn sure remember the waiting part .

[Ice]

Just letting you know I read this ... Thanks

This ONE ride " Meet In The Middle " has left a bad taste in my mouth starting last year with two bikes down and four people hurt . As I stated in another thread I should have ended my part of this ride then . I'll take some of the responsibility for underestimating how long it would take to get there and I will say I don't remember much about " riding " on the ride but I damn sure remember the waiting part .

Joe, I don't think you should be taking blame for the length of the ride or any other issues that have occurred in the past few years. You are the organizer not the babysitter. We should all know what is expected of us on such a ride and be prepared for it and be able to keep pace or don't ride in the group.
 From what I understand is that on this ride, you had a certain number of participants planned in and a lot of folks showed up who were not registered for the ride or had made any notification that they would be with your group, so the group became much larger than expected, how can that be your fault? I know you well enough that if you were aware that your group would be that large you would have adjusted your plans accordingly, and you would not have ridden 13 hours.
No matter my friend, its all good, and as I stated before I look forward to sharing the wind with you in the future.
Ride hard, ride safe. See you in the wind. 

[ridingron]

I have never ridden with any of you guys but have been on numerous group rides. Up to 7 or so is my ideal group. Hopefully with similar riding skills and styles.

One method of group ride is explained at:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsZ_Y1Of0as

 It's a little long at 17 minutes.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Just letting you know I read this ... Thanks

This ONE ride " Meet In The Middle " has left a bad taste in my mouth starting last year with two bikes down and four people hurt . As I stated in another thread I should have ended my part of this ride then . I'll take some of the responsibility for underestimating how long it would take to get there and I will say I don't remember much about " riding " on the ride but I damn sure remember the waiting part .

Joe, I don't think you should be taking blame for the length of the ride or any other issues that have occurred in the past few years. You are the organizer not the babysitter. We should all know what is expected of us on such a ride and be prepared for it and be able to keep pace or don't ride in the group.
 From what I understand is that on this ride, you had a certain number of participants planned in and a lot of folks showed up who were not registered for the ride or had made any notification that they would be with your group, so the group became much larger than expected, how can that be your fault? I know you well enough that if you were aware that your group would be that large you would have adjusted your plans accordingly, and you would not have ridden 13 hours.
No matter my friend, its all good, and as I stated before I look forward to sharing the wind with you in the future.
Ride hard, ride safe. See you in the wind. 

The sting is wearing off somewhat now from " Meet In The Middle " .  I too look forward to riding with you and Petra again I remember on one ride when the pissing contest broke out and after a few miles you and I almost in the same moment looked at each other and knew we had nothing to prove 

[Alien]

This is why I ride alone.  Every single time I've been in a group, theres some level of douchebaggery.  Once, I was rear ended by a Sportster at a stoplight.  He said "Sorry Bro, I didn't see you."  Really?  You didn't see a 300 pound guy on a 1000 pound blue, cream and chrome Valkyrie right in front of you in broad daylight?  The last one I did was at InZane from the hotel to downtown Morgantown.  I had my Go Pro going and at one point, you can see balks going all 4 directions at an intersection.

So, I'll just keep riding alone and we can all have a beer together when we get there.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[Jabba]

Last time I rode with Joe was in Inzane in Michigan... T-Bird was leading our group and my SO and I were 2nd... Joe 3rd. We were pushing hard to get back for the group BBQ that we were late for... and in a hard, peg dragging sweeper we hit some tar snakes... on the next straight Joe pulls along side me and asks "Jabba, did you feel THAT crap?" I respond that yes, in fact I had felt that "crap". He then tells me... "I am gonna go slow T-Bird down a little." I was glad for that. 

You Da'Man Joe.

Jabba

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Last time I rode with Joe was in Inzane in Michigan... T-Bird was leading our group and my SO and I were 2nd... Joe 3rd. We were pushing hard to get back for the group BBQ that we were late for... and in a hard, peg dragging sweeper we hit some tar snakes... on the next straight Joe pulls along side me and asks "Jabba, did you feel THAT crap?" I respond that yes, in fact I had felt that "crap". He then tells me... "I am gonna go slow T-Bird down a little." I was glad for that.  

You Da'Man Joe.

Jabba

T-Bird was a handful to keep up with especially when he got in his groove... I sure miss riding with him .

[Oss]

he aint racing he is qualifying

[Duffy]

I have always enjoyed riding with Joe.

Looking forward to the Fall Color Ride.  

If he is done leading rides, I can only say thanks Joe for all that you have done.  

Others should step up and lead a ride. Joe has done more than his share.

[Mr Whiskey]

....in a hard, peg dragging sweeper we hit some tar snakes... on the next straight Joe pulls along side me and asks "Jabba, did you feel THAT crap?"

It's jus' that cheap azz Avon on the nose

[Big Rig]

Just letting you know I read this ... Thanks

This ONE ride " Meet In The Middle " has left a bad taste in my mouth starting last year with two bikes down and four people hurt . As I stated in another thread I should have ended my part of this ride then . I'll take some of the responsibility for underestimating how long it would take to get there and I will say I don't remember much about " riding " on the ride but I damn sure remember the waiting part .

Joe I know how you feel, from the downed bikes to the longer that anticipated routes and the ride killing waiting for riders! This  past July I have a 200 mile route planned. Figured on the long side, maybe 5 hours, but when we pulled in the lot after 12 hours....I was DONE! I am at a cross roads, I love the organizing and the tellin lies and kickin tires...but the riding is turning into the waiting and well...to me rides are to put miles on the phat girl, burn fuel, scrape pegs and get wind in my face.
If I get back down to the great state of Tenn....I will let you know and maybe you can show me the ways of the dragon and cherohola (Sp) (which I liked better).

Ride safe brother!

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Just letting you know I read this ... Thanks

This ONE ride " Meet In The Middle " has left a bad taste in my mouth starting last year with two bikes down and four people hurt . As I stated in another thread I should have ended my part of this ride then . I'll take some of the responsibility for underestimating how long it would take to get there and I will say I don't remember much about " riding " on the ride but I damn sure remember the waiting part .

Joe I know how you feel, from the downed bikes to the longer that anticipated routes and the ride killing waiting for riders! This  past July I have a 200 mile route planned. Figured on the long side, maybe 5 hours, but when we pulled in the lot after 12 hours....I was DONE! I am at a cross roads, I love the organizing and the tellin lies and kickin tires...but the riding is turning into the waiting and well...to me rides are to put miles on the phat girl, burn fuel, scrape pegs and get wind in my face.
If I get back down to the great state of Tenn....I will let you know and maybe you can show me the ways of the dragon and cherohola (Sp) (which I liked better).

Ride safe brother!

Give me a heads up when you come I'd love to show you the outstanding motorcycle roads of The Great State Of Tennessee.

[jimmytee]

I still had a great time. If the weather hadn't been so nice with cool temperatures, the waiting part would've been more taxing. But I really had a blast hanging with some of the best people in the world in some of the prettiest country in the world, riding some of the best bikes ever.

This was the first time for me making the "Meet in the Middle" ride. Every year it seems I have other commitments during this weekend.

 Next year's plan seems like a good compromise given the size of the group. Labor Day weekend traffic in the area would make any large group a very big challenge with too many variables to account for. Smaller groups would definitely help to minimize the effects of cages interferring with the fun.

[RainMaker]

Planning and leading rides is OK unless it is always the same person having to lead the rides and no one in the group volunteers to plan and lead one.  My last ride was one I led, and the bike behind me locked the front tire and dropped as we slowed down for gravel - a very good experienced rider as well - and I watched it happening in my mirrors as he went down.  I keep seeing that in my head.  I totally understand why Joe would not want to lead a ride after accidents happened on a ride he was leading - it really gets in your head. 

Joe is the best rider I've ever seen in twisties, although I think Haymaker would take him in a slow riding contest.

Britman - I remember you stating the rules on the one Memorial Day ride I was on.  "it's not a f*&^in' race" and then the checkered flag dropped. But the group sorted itself out and it was a superb route with the rose sniffers.

RainMaker

[Wizzard]

I always thought group rides were fairly simple,, Keep up and Pay attention. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I always thought group rides were fairly simple,, Keep up and Pay attention. 

+1 , and stay staggered and all is good. 

[Wizzard]

I always thought group rides were fairly simple,, Keep up and Pay attention. 

+1 , and stay staggered and all is good. 

If you don't know enough to stay staggered,, then you should not be on a group ride. In fact you should probably not be riding at all.

[DarkSideR]

Joe,

I hope you have a happy and worry free retirement. My advice, don't remember only the bad rides, but focus on the good rides. Thank you for your many years of dedication to organizing group rides. Makes me sorry that I came to the VRCC so late.

When I inherited my Valkyrie from my Dad little did I know what I was getting into. The local Colorado VRCC group is the best group of guys/riders I know. I myself have organized 2 riders a year. The Pikes Peak or Bust, and the Highway Of Legends rides. Thus far we have had no issues whatsoever.

I hope/pray that our "Hay Days" of wonderful group riding never end.

[mark81]

My first and only ride with Joe has been to Morgantown from Tennessee this year. I rode near the front of the pack and I rode near the back of the pack I was not pressured to ride in either place that's just where I was when we pulled out of the parking lot. I had only ridden in one group ride before but that was more stopping at bars than riding. Other than that I had ridden with small groups of friends (4 or less) that I had known for 10 years or better. I have had my current valk about a month at this time, still fresh to the darkside and pulling a loaded trailer for the first time too. I had no business riding with "professionals" like Joe's group but I was welcomed. Even with all these setbacks I never felt that I was pressed beyond my abilities to keep up. It was a challenging pace but one that never let the smile leave my face. Having other valks in front of me gave me a lot of confidence. I knew that it was possible for a valk to take a turn that sharp at that speed. I didn't have to think "am I pushing the bike past its abilities" like I often do when riding with my sport bike friends. I did find a more mellow riding style when I was near the back of the pack which I found acceptable as well. I'm sure I made rookie mistakes and I apologize to those that were affected by them.

Joe it was a pleasure to have ridden with you and I look forward to it again.

[trout dude]

Like jimmytee said I had a great time also like i always do with joe and the wild bunch. I to Mark drag a trailer but not this trip do to this bike was not set up for it and i'm waiting for my bike to be back on the road before i do. ( Black and Gold not blue and silver ) I've never been pushed or felt pushed and always enjoyed the ride. I'm one of the bikes that went down last year and truth be known it was no one's fault but mine and only mine. The one thing that helped me the most is the group that had me there in the first place The VRCC.  I don't know how many rides Joe has set up but do know its bin a lot more than we can count. Thanks Joe for all you have done and looking forward to seeing you soon.
 Dennis

[Bighead]

Well I must say I was  with the front group and the back group and times I was riding all by myself trying to catch the front group. But none the less had a great time and yes I know at the last gas stop I took to the road by myself, may not have been the wisest choice and may have chapped an ass or two but was done and was getting to the destination. I am not a peg dragger but was ready to get there and riding by myself I don't have to worry about the bikes around me. If i F up it is on me and no one else.
And JOE I hope this flatlander is still welcome to come to the great state of Tennessee and put a few miles in with Yall, never had a bad time riding with any of you guys and look forward to more rides.

[G-Man]

Me and Stanley Steamer did a ride from InZane in Asheville. We'd ridden all the roads
together before and both knew what to do where to go. Some people left the ride
along the way, and some lagged pretty far behind at times, but Stanley Steamer
would roll in at the next stop and we'd know there was nobody stuck on the side
of the road. A big group peeled off at the lunch place, and some needed help to get
back, so I asked around of the ones I knew were leaving and found someone who
was enthusiastic (T-Bird) about seeing to it that the New York folks didn't feel
lost.

I lead two other riders back from the Meet In The Middle ride. I did things
like split second decisions to bolt through traffic to head down side roads
I'd never heard  of, I think we all liked it, but you can't do that on an
organized ride. I left the wrong way twice out of parking lots, but
I never claimed to really know where I was going.

A steady diet of the first kind of ride would really make me miss
the second kind of ride...

-Mike

   Always enjoy the rides you lead, Mike!  And Yup, T-Bird and Punisher got us back to ground zero in Asheville so we wouldn't miss DDT getting Ali back!