Groupiness...

[DDT (12)]

A concise (definitely not comprehensive) attempt to describe a few thoughts on group riding… So many want to indulge, yet many of those so easily find reasons not to make it. My sneakers are wet, my tires are too worn, my wife has other plans… I don’t want to go there again, I can’t afford it, it’s… pick one… too hot, too cold, too dry, too wet. The confident and hardcore need no persuasion, they just need an opportunity. The timid and hesitant, on the other hand, will find an excuse somehow, someway… I can sometimes appear to be in either group.

Some groups should never be formed. Any time two or more folks decide to ride together, individual differences come into play and seem to be amplified! On long distance, multi-day rides this fact becomes mission-critical, as little irritations compound into full-blown aggravations… And, left unattended, they have the potential of ruining long-standing friendships! Herein lies my largest concern with group activities…

I’m too old and set in my ways to bend very much, not to mention that I’m at a stage of life where physical limitations make some compromises impossible, or at best impractical. Mixing widely varying styles, preferences, and objectives can be… Well, early in a long ride, it can be like trying to mix oil and water… Late in the ride it can be more like combining gasoline and matches! Sure, the opposite can also be true.

Bringing together widely varying perspectives on anything offers the prospect of great learning experiences, and a chance for everyone to ‘color outside the lines’ of habits and routines. To gain a different take on traveling, site-seeing, stopping frequencies, daily distances ridden, as well as to play around with unfamiliar fundamental goals and objectives of outings. Being open-minded, broadly flexible, thick-skinned, and highly tolerant can transform seemingly impossible couplings into enriching experiences… or…

Some degree of planning is inescapable… not my favorite undertaking! To make a contemplated group outing sufficiently broad to include those wanting to participate, time available, distance involved, and costs anticipated must be carefully considered. First, compressed riding time is a crucial limiter that impacts virtually every other aspect. Those with the least available time, have a need for speed and long days in the saddle that may not be desirable for some of the others…

With ‘available time’ as an over-arching backdrop, peripheral issues that can influence this can make such seemingly subtle, innocuous tendencies as early-riser vs. sleepyhead effects on scheduling out-sized friction points… late-night partyers vs. early to bed tea-total types are another example. And, ‘shoppers’ traveling with ‘Marathon-man’ can drive either mad trying to accommodate the other! ‘Relaxed diners’ along with ‘minimum sustenance-seekers in a hurry’ are another classic situation for annoyance. Obviously, give and take are required to pull-off a successful outing; however… it appears much easier than it actually is to produce!

It’s far easier to just travel alone and avoid all of that… and I do that most of the time. However, the chance to spend quality time with cherished friends is a powerful hook that draws me in sometimes, and I on occasion find that prospect irresistible! Like now, for instance…

Barring something profoundly major and completely unforeseen, I will be joining my good friends in Colorado for their annual Darby Ride. That will include two days of organized large group riding and three evenings of comradeship worth considerable sacrifice to join! I look forward to new experiences with some mighty fine folks! And…

Others from back this way want to join-in, too. Some of the best friends I have in the entire universe comprise that group, and the thought of sharing a couple of thousand miles traveling around a slice of the country with them is so powerful, I’m really excited about the thought! The last thing I’d ever want to do, though, is to jeopardize the relationships I enjoy with those amazing, good people!

I’ve had some experience with long-distance, long-term group rides, and this does give me pause! Because I know the riders, many of their tendencies and habits, their perspectives and travel constraints… and my own… I worry that I might let any of them down…

I’ve fretted about this, and I’ve probably gone overboard (I’ve been known to flail a horse carcass or two) in trying to point these things out, so as to head-off possible future irritations. I don’t want to turn anybody off, but I do want everyone to know in advance what might arise, so we can recognize things and amicably deal with them should issues rear their ugly heads later. A well-timed laugh can neutralize something that otherwise might turn a burr under the saddle now into confrontation down the road… Knowing this in advance can leave us prepared instead of being caught off-guard.

Much ado about not much, I’m sure… but… I love these guys like brothers, and I so want to do this… Sort of like sitting in on a hand of poker, while the pot continues to build above my comfort zone… I feel some pressure, and the risks are real… The rewards are likewise huge, too,  so… I have my fingers crossed that nobody will back-out, and that I won’t poop-out too early!

DDT

[Rams]

As with life in general and motorcycling specifily, there are always compromises and sacrifices to be made to remain one of the group.   And, the group must recognize the needs of the individuals within that group.  All members of the group must be fully aware and recognize this. 

To think the individual's needs are less than the group's is fallacy.   That's why we must be careful in choosing our life partners, friends and co-riders.    While the individual's parts of a structure may have it's own strength, it also has weaknesses.   But add those attributes to the group and the whole structure becomes a stronger. 

The one rule I adhere to emphatically is, no one is left behind even if that means that person and I watch as the others ride off.  I know they will return with the needed assistance.   Otherwise, I would not be with that group.

Rams

[MarkT]

All true, Bruce.  I can't add to this much w/o showing my hand per your poker analogy.  Though I like the company at some times, at others it can be irritating.  And the bigger the group the more incompatibilities surface for everyone.  Not to mention, the ride becomes more unwieldy and even dangerous when trying to fit with existing traffic patterns and cagers.  Pretty sure most of the latter aren't even aware of the issues, or care about them while they go merrily down the road expecting everyone else to defer to them and their text-driving.  I would probably like to find one riding partner whose style is identical to mine, for long distance rides, just for the safety, redundancy, backup and conversational aspects - like SCUBA divers do with their "buddy system".  Misfit has a partner or 2 he travels with, like that.  Sometimes it just can't be.  Like my ride to Inzane recently.  I had several multi-day detours to family members and friends along the way, and a policy of skirting Illinois which is a significant detour from/to Colorado.  And my ride was slower for safety, than most I know as I was pulling a trailer.  Not to mention, I like to stop for pics and read historical markers.  IOW I'm not in a big hurry and I'm there to enjoy the ride and the ambiance / local flavor.  Like to eat in Ma & Pa places instead of franchises.  Stay in Ma & Pa motels with my own outside door and bike right there.  Like to take a few extra minutes at stops - take a whiz, walk around a little, buy some gum, refill my cup.  We were on a 4,000mi ride to Canada in 2010 and our group leader actually took the group and left my wife and me as he was "tired of waiting" at a gas stop - timed by my GPS our stop was less than 10 minutes. Though he expected us to be OK with his extra stops and delays.  I was really pissed when we caught up and we almost came to blows.  We departed from them after a couple more of his antics and did the rest of Canada and the return alone. Which was uncomfortable as we had to see them again at one stop as we had advance reservations at Red Lodge MT.  Seriously, he had no business as a ride leader. Unconcerned with member's fuel range (ran a couple out of gas; I had to siphon to fuel wife's Magna) or riding styles - way too fast for some at 85mph, causing safety issues forcing some to ride beyond their comfort & ability but they had to as they didn't know the route - again, he didn't brief anyone on that.  Two in our small group were on wings, me and Butcher pulling a trailer.  At one point our leader led us on 50 miles with extremely high 50mph gusting crosswinds with rain left-right in traffic, 2-lane.  With each passing truck gusts were severe and at one point the wing with trailer was blown onto the gravel shoulder. It was all I could do to be quick enough with countersteer to stay on the road.  Finally we turned into the wind - 30 miles later we stopped for fuel.  I pointed out to our leader that wings behave very badly in high winds, not like the Valks, thinking he needed to be educated.  He said "I know, I used to have one."  I said "Then why the Hell did you lead us through high crosswinds - Butcher and wife were blown off the road. Your behavior is negligent."  A-hole.  And on and on, more very poor ride leadership.

When I lead, I always check if the pace is OK, ask about fuel range if I don't know already, check on needed stops of new riders (some might have bladder issues), brief on route if it's not known, usually mention the next planned stop.  Mention, if they don't know, policies like, if the group gets separated, we won't turn off the current road w/o stopping to let any big gaps close (unless all know the route).  It's important for all to be on the same page for the ride.  The above jerk sure was a great example of the Ride Leader From Hell.

I wish I could make the Darby ride - have always made this one before, in spite of these kinds of  issues (they haven't caused any problems though I did lead faster at one part of last year's ride but everyone knew the route and I wanted to enjoy the twisties at a faster pace, between Creede and Lake City. Even though I was pulling a trailer, wifey was going way too slow for me.  So we got a gap in the ride.  My bad.  Pretty sure I've annoyed Misfit a couple times - but he hasn't mentioned it though I figured it out.  My bad again. )  But can't go on this Darby ride as we have to attend a niece's wedding.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Bruce, you are so right. And it’s something that most of us don’t think about till it’s too late. Brenda and I have a riding couple that are great friends. We love traveling with them. We get along great and have never had any big issues. But as with all people there are differences. Once we were coming back from California and were pressed for time. The ride went into the dark evening. My friend dislikes that because he doesn’t see well at night. We made it ok with him following my tail lights, but I learned that night not to put us in that situation again.
 I’ve been trying to finagle a way to sneak out for your guys “Darby Ride”. I’m afraid it’s just not in the cards being a big holiday here. These dang partyers seem to have a need for dead animals to go along with their beer.  I hope and know you guys will have a great time 

[Valkorado]

I enjoyed, and related to, these observations as much as your ride reports!  I love the VRCC, and have met some really GREAT people here.  The best.  As you know, we lost Darby.  He influenced my life in our brief time knowing each other, he was one unique dude with an unwavering faith.  I'll never forget him coming out of his neighboring room in Montrose in his briefs and nothing more, enjoying his beloved elixr coffee and a smoke and telling me about his short time in heaven and how he truly wanted to return.  He is in paradise, forever.  I might have doubted that before meeting Darby, but I don't anymore.

You summed up group rides well.  Hurry up, and wait.    Not to mention show-offs who just gotta demonstrate their amazing skills, such as the in-group crotch rocketeer who flew by Big Bertha within inches at an eye opening speed last year.    Whatum hellum thatum?  The packing, unpacking, and repacking when two-up is always an experience.  It fit before, what's up with that?  All told I'm not the biggest fan of group riding.  Chronic health issues that are far more evident in the morning hours make traveling before motel checkout times pretty darned tough unless I'm hitting the coffee hard around 4:00 o' clock.  Your coined term pooperosity should honestly be added to our English dictionaries! Funny thing is - - if everything comes out alright - - once I'm purged out, showered up and riding I usually feel like the universe is expanding exactly as it should.  In the groove, as you say, sure feels nice!  Riding is therapeutic, but spending time with fellow Valkoholics and motorcycle enthusiasts over a few cold frosties makes all the crap-ola associated with groups worthwhile.

[Jess from VA]

The bigger the crowd, the more the compromises.  It has always been so.

This is why my favorite group rides are 3-6.

This is also why we are better off with only one wife (at a time).  If that.  


Few years back, I was invited along on big HD crowd group ride.  It was a good group of experienced riders.  But at a light, the guy ahead of me's air cleaner just fell off to the pavement, parts tumbling.  I made the mistake of commenting (out loud) that it was a Harley after all, parts fall off them all the time.  Even though several of the guys took it in good humor and laughed with me, the leader (whose bike fell apart) got mad and threw me off the ride.  I left in good humor and waved to all.

But I forgot, that when in Rome, do what the Roman's do (when parts fall off Harleys in a Harley ride, don't laugh or make fun of it).  

Just like when riding with a group of Beemers, don't make fun of all their matching gear and helmets.

And when riding with a bunch of Wings, don't make fun of the fact they cannot pass a Dairy Queen without stopping (and all the matching gear and helmets).  

Don't worry, be happy.  But sometimes, you need to keep funny to yourself.

I've always thought the Reader's Digest had it right.... Laughter IS the best medicine.  

[RainMaker]

I have enjoyed many group rides but not all.  Some, I could not wait to get out of.  Sometimes, it's because I've worn myself out trying to get to the ride and I get tired during the group ride I've blown myself out to get to.  Other times, it's due to the wide diversity of the skills of the other group members.  So many toy rides where people are making their 2nd ride of the year, putting their feet down to scoot around a turn, no counter steer, etc.  Or rides where the showoffs are riding on your back fender or insist on riding side by side instead of staggered, thinking they are CHiPs.  

The best group rides for me are those where I know the other riders and the skill levels are not too terribly different.  Each rider respects the space of the others and folks know where they are going and are informed about the route.  I've lead a lot of group rides here in the DFW area, but most of our rides subscribe to the old adage "Ride to Eat, Eat to Ride".  We plan rides to go to a lunch spot and then scatter afterwards.  And these are not particularly long rides, maybe 3 hours each way.  And, there really aren't any twisty roads in North Texas, at least by comparison to those in Tennessee, Virginia or North Carolina.  

With the Valkyrie group, it is a blast to line up our ladies at the lunch stop and watch folks admire them, especially the HD riders.

For long rides, I have gone both solo and with 1 or 2 other riders.  I like having someone along so that if anything bad happens, we can help each other or at least call 911.  Solo rides are nice because one can stop, detour or do whatever they want on the voyage without having to discuss it.  

As for you, Mr. Bruce, you are far more flexible than you give yourself credit for.  During the pre-Inzane group rides, you both participated and led much of the group I was part of.  You helped us to relax and take a longer stop by commandeering most of the rocking chairs at the Country Store on US421 and then leading our little group back to the hotel.  Although most of your riding is solo, you are equally at ease in a group, by all apperances.

The most important thing is to ride like you want to ride (within the legal boundaries) and experience the voyage, soaking in all the beauty surrounding you and your bike as you travel and not being so concerned about the destination.  So much better than sitting in the back of a minivan with your head in the twitterverse.  

The Darby ride will probably be more remembered for the three evenings of comradeship than the ride itself. And that's as it should be.  

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
That is a very good read......and so true!  I prefer to ride solo most of the time and occasionally enjoy a ride with a few others for those reasons.  (Loved the ride with the whizzer bunch).  I do greatly enjoy the comradery and conversation at gatherings of the VRCC but find myself more reluctant to join in the big rides.

I have never been on a long distance/multiple day ride with a group so I have no experience to share about that.  The single day group rides are gritty enough..........I can imagine compounding that with multiple days.

Even so, my friend, I believe you are quite capable of riding with most any skill level.   And .... more importantly, you are the most congenial and friendship inspiring person I know.  I am quite certain that if serious difference and irritation does rear it’s head on your group ride to the Darby ride, you will find a way to minimize the effect.  Heck, you have already set the stage for patience, understanding, and adjustment.

Bigwolf

[Daniel Meyer]

Describing group motorcycle rides...and marriage/relationships....pretty much the same issues and language apply LOL!

As far as the actual motorcycling...I tend to avoid groups...but when I do...even when it's a group of two...it's always clear from the outset that everybody involved needs to "ride their own ride"...

If their tolerance for the prevailing conditions gets stretched, folks are free to go their own way without malice from the group or worry (DO notify your companions that separation is imminent).

Heck, even my and my life-long riding buddy have split up on occasion...

3000 miles out...
"I've had enough, I think I'm ready to head for home in the morning." (translation: "I need to get laid.")
"I'm not done yet...gonna stay out a while longer." (translation: "My wife's still on her own trip for a few more days, so I'ma gonna burn some more asphalt.")
"Be safe! Call if you run into any issues!"

Zoom zoom!

I'll see you on the road.

[Gryphon Rider]

Describing group motorcycle rides...and marriage/relationships....pretty much the same issues and language apply LOL!

Except to compare group riding to a marriage, sometimes it can be like immediately getting married to the person you've been set up on a blind date with, before you've even asked and answered the "interview" questions. 

I am a capable group leader, but I find the responsibility can be stressful when I have to carefully plan a group ride.  I enjoy group rides more when a competent person other than me is leading.

While I understand the "ride your own ride" thing, being part of a group means having to abandon this idea somewhat.  A good leader will adapt the pace to the weakest rider and the fuel stops to the bike with the shortest fuel range, but there is an expectation that the riders will follow pre-established group riding rules and take the attitude that "I will be prepared and alert and do what I must to not be a hindrance to the ride."

If you refuse to ride faster than the speed limit at any time (especially according to your optimistic speedometer), have a phobia of passing on a two-lane, absolutely NEED to stop for a smoke in between gas stops, MUST (or must not) get your gas at a particular brand of gas station,  realize you have to pee when everyone else is mounting up, don't like to be told how to ride in a group, or your ego can't handle the group leader asking you to adjust your riding, group riding probably isn't for you.

Group riding isn't for me when the leader or group doesn't follow basic, safe, group riding practises.  I'd rather follow a quarter mile behind the group so I can avoid the mayhem, should it happen.

[..]

I'll lead or ride sweep. I do not want to be among riders I have no experience with.

[Beardo]

If a group ride is big and organized enough to have positions or titles, odds are I don’t want to be in it.

The only groups I’ve ever ridden in are good folks in the Valhalla group.  Like DDT said, I prefer solo, but will do groups if it’s part of a good weekend visiting friends. As long as it’s got a long solo ride there and back before and after. 

[bscrive]

I used to be all for a group ride, but it can get downright annoying when one person in the group thinks that everything revolves around them.  
My wife and I went on a week long ride last year with my cousin and his wife.  Each had their own ride.  When we met up with them they had shorty helmets on.  I asked them if they brought another helmet with them because we were headed up to northern Ontario and the temps up there are much colder than where we live.  Also, last year was the summer of constant rain and at times, rather heavy rain at that.  The first few days were OK.  
We got to Tobermory Ontario to take the ferry across to Manitoulin Island and it started.  she started to complain about the price to take the ferry.  It is @ $40/pp with the bikes.  She knew the price beforehand, but now she had a problem with it.  The guy collecting the money heard her bitchin and told her that if they could afford $50k in motorcycles then $80 won't break them.  She got pretty pissed at that statement and I laughed which didn't help much.  We took the ferry across and began riding up to Sault Ste. Marie.  
About a couple of hours away from Sault Ste. Marie we got into a pretty heavy rain fall.  I asked them just before the rain if they wanted to stop and find a place to ride it out, but they wanted to get to Sault Ste. Marie before dinner time.  We trudged on and got there at dinner time.  We asked where they wanted to eat and they picked Boston Pizza.  Turns out they ran out of a bunch of stuff and we waited 1.5hrs to get our food.  She and the rest of us were not impressed, but we got our meal for free.  I am happy when I get free food.
The next day we were going on a train ride into the bush.  Again, she complained about cost of the train ride and only went because my cousin loves trains.  She didn't have lunch because it was too expensive.
Let me say this.  They are not poor.  They have just as much money, if not more then my wife and I.  She is just a cheap sob.
The next day, we left Sault Ste. Marie and headed up this lonely road up to a place called Chapleau.  A fantastic road that has awesome curves and great scenery and it is literally in the middle of nowhere.  She was way back and my wife and I had to slow down because she does not like to ride curves.  Why she rides a motorcycle and does not like curves is beyond me.  
We go to Chapleau around noon and decided to get lunch.  Again, she didn't like anything and prices were expensive, so she didn't eat.  The food wasn't that good anyways, but it was food.  I told my cousin and his wife that we should all fill up because I don't know when we will see another gas station.  The price of gas was pretty expensive and she said that she was going to wait until Timmins to fill up.  My cousin then told her that they were filling up because he didn't want to take a chance of walking.  She reluctantly did.  We headed out and sure enough we get hit by another downpour.  It came down hard.  I was so glad to have a full faced helmet.  The heavy rain lasted about 30 mins.  All the time, they didn't want to stop.  Instead, they wanted to drive out of it.  I think we were riding with it.  We got to Timmins at @ 5pm.  We decided to stop at a coffee shop and warm up.  It is at this time that she declares that she is going home.  No thought about her husband, nor us, only what she wants.  We decide to get rooms at the local hotel.  My wife and I went for dinner and they stayed in.  In the morning, my cousin texted me, but I told him that we were not ready yet.  His wife though wanted to leave.  I told him to go ahead as we were glad to be rid of her.  We had a great ride that day.
This year, we decided that it will be just my wife and I for our rides.  We have not called them, nor have they called us for rides.  I prefer it that way.  

[Jess from VA]

Not riding bikes, but I had a nearly identical experience with another couple.  He is the salt of the earth who would and does give you the shirt off his back, and she is nice and easy to get along with..... when she feels like it.

But she loved (and lived) to eat out at restaurants (expensive ones), and as a former waitress, loved to critique the food and the service.  Except she never found the food or the service up to her standards, and made multiple scenes, to everyone's embarrassment.  Constant criticizing of busy waitresses and sending food back is no fun to be around.  I pointed out to her, that the cooks and waitresses may not only spit in her food, but in ours too.  She didn't like that.  Everyone needs a hobby, but this hobby sucked.

After consulting with my wife, I told him we would not be going to any restaurants with her, ever again.  He smiled and said he wished he could do the same, but he liked her and lived with it.  So it goes.

Sadly, they moved away.  I miss him a lot.  

[The emperor has no clothes]

If a group ride is big and organized enough to have positions or titles, odds are I don’t want to be in it.

The only groups I’ve ever ridden in are good folks in the Valhalla group.  Like DDT said, I prefer solo, but will do groups if it’s part of a good weekend visiting friends. As long as it’s got a long solo ride there and back before and after. 

I had always been a solo rider or just 2 or 3 other bikes for 40 years. Until we hooked up with the SoCal chapter a few years back. I was a little concerned that I wouldn’t like it, but it was great. They are all good, courteous, safe riders. Now there are some local Christmas Toy rides that I have just hated. Most of them don’t really ride and it shows. I doubt I’ll do any of those again. The “Hill Climb Ride” that 3fan lead in Roanoke was fun. I don’t remember how many there were, but they were all good riders.  

[Willow]

I don't particularly like riding in groups unless I'm familiar and comfortable with the other riders.  I do, however, truly enjoy being around some groups and will put up with a little discomfort on the ride just to be with the group.

[msb]

Many years ago, I ran with a "somewhat" rowdy group from work and we all took turns planning day long or 2-3 day rides. When it came to my turn, I planned the end destinations and maybe a lunch stop or other meetup somewhere along the way, but it was every rider on their own other than that....basically a solo-group ride.

I love, and prefer solo riding...either just with myself or with the Mrs on the back. But I also love the camaraderie of good friends or meeting new friends at the end of a day or at the final destination. Luckily, we have become real close with a good group of fellow Valhalla riders, where we are able to participate in not-too-big group rides and really enjoy ourselves. They are not overly organized or regimented, and we're all pretty much aware of each others' riding styles. I prefer not to lead, so I usually find a good excuse not to
I will not ride in the middle of the pack with a group I don't know. At Morgantown Inzane, I went on one long day ride with a group of about 12 bikes...all great folks, but ones that I had no previous riding experience with...I stayed in the back.

[Oss]

Some great stories in this thread and as usual DDT set the stage in a pleasantly familiar and welcoming manner  Thanks Bruce for another great contribution.

Almost all of my rides are solo as only about 4 times a year Bonnie will ask to ride with me outside of Inzanes  That works fine for me and the day trips we take will have no more than 2 hours before a scenic stop and walk around. We both love to walk places so all is good.  I commute on a 1 seater and that is great for me.  No back seat driver  

In the rides I have set up, apart from Meathead riding with the wrong group and supporting the NY bridge fund near Bear Mtn I have had no issues with riders. I was on the original ground zero ride with many thousands of bikes. It was important as a fund raiser not fun though, especially as once at WTC ground it was fubar.

I am one of those riders who  does enjoy curves but not curves at the edge of my ability when I am with the wife or in the rain.  Virginia was a lot of fun this year for us. I tell everyone to ride their own ride, to just be aware of the rider in back of them in case of turn off or red light and have fun.  Leading a ride I have not had complaints and there will be areas that I tell people go ahead if they want and where to wait, so far nobody has passed me.  (well Serk did on the poker run but that doesnt really count does it?) Riding in a group I do like the rear so I dont have to worry about slowing someone down. And if one other bike has cb that is a plus.

On long rides where I just need to get somewhere, I just HATE long rest stop breaks. 5-10 minutes is tops if I want to make 600 or so miles before dark as my night vision and glare reaction time is poor.
so if someone needs to have a half hour 4 cigarette smoke break I probably will not be in that group if its a long ride to a destination.  I dont care if someone smokes at a break though

[DIGGER]

I've never encountered a forum about group riding.    I have ridden a lot in my 67 yrs.   I have been on several long distance rides with groups of 6-8 riders and they just don't work out.  I generally end up back at home after the ride with an upset stomach.   When going long distances you can't get everybody to use the rr at the same time, can't get everyone to eat at the same time, can't get everyone to gas at the same time, etc. etc.   In a group of eight 40-50 miles between stops is pretty good.   One of my biggest gripes is before I go on a motorcycle trip I do extensive maintenance and make sure my bike has good enough tires for the trip, my gear is correct for the trip and well packed.  My motorcycle is READY when I leave my house.  After leaving on a trip It irritates me to death to have to stop 30 miles down the road for someone to put air in their tires, move stuff around on their bike for better comfort, try to find some safety glasses in a store due to wind in their face, buy some sun screen, wash their windshield to see better, etc.etc.etc.  I narrowed down my group riding long distance to 3-4 people and it works a lot better.  The guys I travel with now are dedicated motorcyclist and they are ready.  They maintain their motorcycles.   We alternate who rides lead and we FLOW down the highway.   

Now I'm gonna vent about compatability on large group long distance rides.  It just amazes me at how many people are picky eaters.   No matter where you stop you can't please everybody.   Somebody doesn't like the service, doesn't like how their chicken is cooked, doesnt like how their steak is cooked, doesn't like the dessert, doesn't like the prices and they complain all the way through the meal......really irritates me and I can't enjoy my meal.   On a trip I can eat barbe-que, chinese, tex mex, sushi, steak, chicken, fish, just about anything that'll make a poop the next day.       I've been on trips with people who when we pass by a state park, national park, scenic this or that and they don't want to pay the $5 to go and see it.....geez.....it's not like we are going to be here again next week.   

I've been on quite a few long distance trips from Houston to Oregon, West Coast, Canada, and Louisiana area by myself......I love traveling by myself.    I can stop and see what I want when I want and eat what I want and rest when I want.   Best trips ever to just have a general direction and ramble around on back roads getting there.   

The last 10 years or so I have been on 5 long distance trips that I traveled with 1 other guy and it has worked out well.   He has a 96 Harley and maintains it well.  We travel together well, think alike, and just have a great trip.   

One more thing,  in my old age and retired, and have more time for a trip, I have changed my riding style.  I now like to ride doing the speed limit or maybe 3-4 + miles over.   When coming into a small town I lower my speed to their speed limit signs and have not had any problems with the police.  However I have had cages riding my bumper many times trying to get me to speed up.  I have found that when riding motorcycles, fishing, and hunting.....if you stay legal and follow the rules it takes all the worry out of getting in trouble.

I recently went for a ride with my son on his new Harley and a friend of his on a Harley and they ran so fast everywhere I dropped out and went home.   As I was leaving on a different road he called me and I told him my style of riding just didn't fit their style and to continue their ride and have a good time.   He just laughed and said he'd call my when he got home.   ha

[Cracker Jack]

A few years ago, this VRCC Group had a ride on the Natchez Trace Parkway starting in Natchez, MS. The group got all lined up (about 50 bikes) and took off. There was a gas stop before we got out of town and onto the Parkway!! I think the leader(s) was one of the ones needing gas!!

[..]

Y'all have mentioned the reasons why I don't do group rides unless I know the capability of other riders. AND only a small group nowadays.

Group ride soured for me after I organized a few Memorial Day rides and got feedback from the whingers.

Too fast
Too slow
Too far
Too short
Too may stops
Too few stops

The list goes on and on and on and on...................................

Going on a group ride?

Look in the mirror and decide your'e NOT going to be a whiner

Look in the mirror and start with a full tank.

Look in the mirror and decide you will FILL UP when everyone else does. It doesn't matter if you've only ridden 75 miles. FILL THE F UP.

Practice putting on your rain suit AND KNOW WHERE IT IS so you don't look like a complete fool when it's time to do it for real.

The above does apply to quite a few on this forum.  (Flame suit on) and I don't care.

[Jess from VA]

Practice putting on your rain suit AND KNOW WHERE IT IS so you don't look like a complete fool when it's time to do it for real.

Aw come on, it's a real bummer when it starts to rain and everyone has to pull off and suit up.

So watching people hop around, fall in the mud, knock their bikes over, rip their pants out, and put on garbage bag rain gear is pure comic relief in an otherwise dismal moment.  

 



But I'm otherwise in agreement with your points. 

[old2soon]

         Probably made mention of this before but anywho! Some years back went to West Plains Mo. and formed up for a group ride fundraiser thingy. The form up spot was the lower side of the wally wurld parking lot. There was a murphy Right Smack Dab in FRONT of us-in fact I pulled into said murphy and pumped in less than 3 gals BUT ys never know. About less then a half mile was a Casey and coming down US63 south you passed another fuel stop. Gave us a 20 mins til K S U and stated-if ANYONE needs fuel PLEASE do so BEFORE we go K S U. And Very EMPHATIC bout riding staggered. We went right outa wally wurld to US63 N couple miles up to MO14 W and MAYBE 5 miles from the parking lot AND fuel stops this dufus on a hardly chopper with a peanut tank-ran outa gas!   When they were still havin 9/11 rides down here seemed like every cursed year some dufus beside me could NOT NO how NO way comprehend riding staggered! And I Know I mentioned the newby from my dual C M A ride-first and last-who INSISTED on using his brakes every cursed time he got into a curve!   I Much PREFER riding in VRCC functions-Inzane and F C RS spring immediately to mind-cuz as a general rule I've found if the be on a Valkyrie they generally ain't no newby!   Sad to say some of the worst group rides I've been on are P G R escorts that are short distance-under 5 miles. Permanently banning myself from ANY and ALL poker runs that do NOT take place at an Inzane!   RIDE SAFE.

[baldo]

The “Hill Climb Ride” that 3fan lead in Roanoke was fun. I don’t remember how many there were, but they were all good riders.  

 

.Practice putting on your rain suit AND KNOW WHERE IT IS so you don't look like a complete fool when it's time to do it for real

I bought a pair of Frogg Togg rain pants and was bummed to find there was no zipper anywhere, a real PITA to put on. So I got 2 long zippers and ran them right up the legs just past the knee. Works like a champ!

[Hook#3287]

The “Hill Climb Ride” that 3fan lead in Roanoke was fun. I don’t remember how many there were, but they were all good riders.  

 

  Absolutely   I think I remember counting 18 bikes on that ride, and yes, that ride was excellent.

It's been mentioned before, but most Valk (and GW) riders have much experience, by the time they get on these machines.

[..]

Practice putting on your rain suit AND KNOW WHERE IT IS so you don't look like a complete fool when it's time to do it for real.

Aw come on, it's a real bummer when it starts to rain and everyone has to pull off and suit up.

So watching people hop around, fall in the mud, knock their bikes over, rip their pants out, and put on garbage bag rain gear is pure comic relief in an otherwise dismal moment.  

 

 

[Serk]

I love hanging out with ya'll.
I love sitting around, eating, drinking, lying, swapping yarns, looking at bikes, buying and eating pie, etc. etc. etc.

I hate riding with ya'll.

And by ya'll, I mean ANYONE other than maybe one other person at a time, tops.

And that is NOT to denigrate anyone's riding abilities, many, most even of ya'll are excellent riders.

I just hate the constraints of being in a group ride.

I can handle it for a brief ride (Like the Inzane ride to the block party thing) but, 10-15 miles is about my limit.

Tell me where we're meeting and what time, and I'll see ya' there. No offense, I just strongly prefer to ride by myself.

(So if somehow, as happened at Roanoke, I come upon a group, please don't take offense when I take extreme measures to extricate myself from said group. It's nothing personal, really, I'm not making a negative statement about you or your riding, it's me...)

[robin]

Y'all have mentioned the reasons why I don't do group rides unless I know the capability of other riders. AND only a small group nowadays.

Group ride soured for me after I organized a few Memorial Day rides and got feedback from the whingers.

Too fast
Too slow
Too far
Too short
Too may stops
Too few stops

The list goes on and on and on and on...................................

Funny you only mentioned Wingers don't really think that is a fair assessment Paul.

Going on a group ride?

Look in the mirror and decide your'e NOT going to be a whiner

Look in the mirror and start with a full tank.

Look in the mirror and decide you will FILL UP when everyone else does. It doesn't matter if you've only ridden 75 miles. FILL THE F UP.

Practice putting on your rain suit AND KNOW WHERE IT IS so you don't look like a complete fool when it's time to do it for real.

The above does apply to quite a few on this forum.  (Flame suit on) and I don't care.

[Serk]

Funny you only mentioned Wingers don't really think that is a fair assessment Paul.

Whinger != Winger

Whinger is a British term, one who whinges:

Whinge

verb (used without object), whinged, whing·ing. British and Australian Informal.
to complain; whine, often in a fretful or pointless manner.

[robin]

Funny you only mentioned Wingers don't really think that is a fair assessment Paul.

Whinger != Winger

Whinger is a British term, one who whinges:

Whinge

verb (used without object), whinged, whing·ing. British and Australian Informal.
to complain; whine, often in a fretful or pointless manner

Thanks Serk for clearing that up

[3fan4life]

Group Riding can be both frustrating and rewarding.

Anytime that I'm going to participate in or lead a group ride I remember Smokin' Joe saying that it's like,

"Herding Cats".

Which is as accurate of  an assessment  as it is colorful.

Herding Cats isn't easy, it requires a lot of patience but it can be done.


I find leading a group to be more stressful than being a part of a group.

Having led groups, I appreciate what it takes and do my best to not complain or be a problem.



I like riding with friends and do it often, but there is something to be said for taking a long trek alone.

I had a couple of friends that were willing to ride to Texas and back with me recently.

In the end Neither one of them could make it due to work and other obligations.

With the heat becomming  such a factor, it was good to only have myself to think of.

On at least one leg of the trip I pushed myself much further than I probably should have, but at least I wasn't pushing someone else along with me.

I stopped when and where I wanted to, I ate when and where I wanted to, I rode as long as I wanted to.

With even one other person along this wouldn't have been possible.

It would've been nice to have another person to share the memories with, but I still enjoyed 2k miles of solo riding.      

[The emperor has no clothes]

Group Riding can be both frustrating and rewarding.

Anytime that I'm going to participate in or lead a group ride I remember Smokin' Joe saying that it's like,

"Herding Cats".

Which is as accurate of  an assessment  as it is colorful.

Herding Cats isn't easy, it requires a lot of patience but it can be done.


I find leading a group to be more stressful than being a part of a group.

Having led groups, I appreciate what it takes and do my best to not complain or be a problem.



I like riding with friends and do it often, but there is something to be said for taking a long trek alone.

I had a couple of friends that were willing to ride to Texas and back with me recently.

In the end Neither one of them could make it due to work and other obligations.

With the heat becomming  such a factor, it was good to only have myself to think of.

On at least one leg of the trip I pushed myself much further than I probably should have, but at least I wasn't pushing someone else along with me.

I stopped when and where I wanted to, I ate when and where I wanted to, I rode as long as I wanted to.

With even one other person along this wouldn't have been possible.

It would've been nice to have another person to share the memories with, but I still enjoyed 2k miles of solo riding.      

Same thing for me on the way back from Roanoke. It was all about making miles after I did the Dragon and the Cherohala. It was a hard ride, that would have been stressful with someone else.

[Oss]

As I said Serk you passing me didnt bother me at all


Sure hope nobody has to herd cats anytime soon.  It can and will suck the enjoyment out of the day for the person who set up the ride.

Oss

PS  If I got my radar from you a big thumbs up.  Stayed dry! ! !