I've started out in a group, but all have usually dropped out after only 500 miles.
Seriously, though, I usually ride alone. I have had a problem getting along with others for a few years now.
Really, seriously, though, I usually ride alone. Even though I consider myself an experienced rider, I thin I would be uncomfortable riding in the middle of a big group of riders I am not extremely familiar with.
I always do the speed limit and that leaves most others out from riding with me.
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2006 Low Rider
USMC '71-'77 Semper Fi
NRA Member
I normally ride alone 99% of the time. The other 1% I ride with a friend when our schedules allow. I used to ride with a group of about 20 bikes. I stopped when I noticed that it was more important for these 20 people to wave at other riders then it was to watch the road.
__________________ "A truth's initial commotion is directly proportional to how deeply the lie was believed. It wasn't the world being round that agitated people, but that the world wasn't flat. When a well packaged web of lies has been sold gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will seem utterly preposterous and it's speaker a raving lunatic." Dresden James
I like riding alone for the same reasons most everyone else has. Most of my riding that I do with no particular destination in mind is with one good friend. We both have similar riding styles and expectations. We like to stop for an occasional beer but don't get into the bar hopping that many guys do.
When I ride with a group it's usually the American Legion Riders post I belong to. They're a good bunch of guys that ride very safe. We do have one guy that likes to cafe hop though, we can barely get past an eatin' joint with Larry along! He is a lot of fun to ride with!
I ride about 85% solo bike (60% of that solo the rest with my wife as co-pilot) and the rest with a small group of friends. I do belong to a local HOG Chapter and use to ride a lot with them, but the more I got involved with the safety/skills part of riding I realized how much they scare the crap out of me. I can't help but to notice all the problems/issues they have when riding in a group. Now they may be better than some others but still their overall skill level is fair at best - not a place for me to be in the middle of. If I do decide to ride with them, I position myself as the sweep rider and stay way back. If I have to, I'll follow the sweep rider with plenty of distance between me and them.
Granted it's enjoyable to spend some time with other ridiers for a ride, but for me the risks seem a little too high. You give up a lot of control/freedom when your with a group. I prefer going my own way; besides a group in my mind is about 5 bikes the most - not a parade.
I'm a member of the Alton HOG and like to ride with them, all good riders. I also like to ride with my girlfriend, son, and a smal group of friends.
If you have a new rider put them upfront and let them set the pace and the route. You can watch them and give them pointers on what they are doing wrong. They have to learn some place and some time.
In the late 80's my wife and I helped get the HOG Chapter started here in Lapeer. We don't devote a much time to that anymore but we still go around every so often and see old friends.
I have been involved with an M/C for 30+ years and an active member for 20 years. I've always enjoyed the camaraderie of the club. I know that this life is not for everyone and that's fine, it's works for me.
I guess it's up the the individual if you like groups or not, you can't make a biker do anything he don't want to do! Like I heard it said one time" You can usually tell a biker, you just can't tell him much!"
The vast majority of my riding is solo. I belong to the HOG chapter from the dealership that I bought my bike from, and I've gone a few rides with them. The last ride that I went with them on was to a motorcycle memorial park, and it was a pleasant ride (about 8 bikes in our group) until two idiots near the back decided that we weren't going fast enough, and kept trying to push the group faster. When the road captains wouldn't say anything to them about this, I decided that my riding days with them would be few and far between. Besides, riding solo helps to clear my head and relaxes me. I know my own limitations and abilities, and don't need to worry about all the others around me.
That being said, I have a friend that I ride with that is either afraid of his bike or has limited skills, I can't determine which. I ride with him because I don't think that many others want to ride with him, and I'm half afraid that he'll injure himself riding and no one would be around to help him if he did. I know that his wife appreciates that point of view, as she has told me that she feels better when he rides with me.
Sorry so long winded. Long and short of it ... ride solo 99% of the time.
__________________ Chip
Nice guys may finish last, but at least they finish
Like I said. Long time no see Buster.... I believe one of our members "Daytripper" had a issue with Patch Holders a while back. I believe Steel Rider was his target then. Daytripper stopped visiting the site last spring. You joined shortly after. Hmmmm.
You have problems with Patch Holders that's your buisness. You have the right to choose who you like or associate with. To come on a public forum and lump all patch holders into a group of "One" and call em whores is out of line!
I believe Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts where patches. So do Military folks. You have problems with them also?
In other words Buster. Spew your Venom somewhere else.......Play nice or you are out of the Sandbox......
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