Group Riding Guidelines

[Hillbilly]

Here is a document with practial advice on group riding. It's from the Master Strategy Group in the US. It offers great advice, especially catering to those who have never been on a group ride before.

[DingDong]

The leader of the group should be someone who is consistant and will maintain the correct pace for the entire group through-out the ride.

Faster riders should move to the lead and put some space between the leader of the main pack before doing wheelies and such, dropping back is OK too but sometimes a wheelie gets very quick and the gap closes too quick.

The group should pass other road users slowly and respectfully, if urgency to pass is presented do so as fast as you can and be sure to make room for anyone who requires space on the other side... they maybe in more of a hurry than you!

In the twisties dont expect faster riders to sit behind at your nana's pace, expect them to go ahead and have their own fun, they will wait for the pack at the end of the fun bits, the leader of the pack should maintain a consistant pace suitable to the entire group.

If you get left behind by the pack... dont worry, as mentioned before they will wait for you, maintain your speed or even slow down a bit... you will not be shamed by being the slowest (unless your on a cruiser amoung sports bikes and even then just for fun)

If a bike in front looks like he's moving over so you can wheelie past, make sure he's not texting on his mobile phone or something first, and unless your moving to the front of the group there really is no need to pass anyone.

Just some things that came to mind:scooter:

[Warr]

Mostly about riding multi-lane highways.
I'm sure others have plenty of ideas tho up till now I think KB rides are a pretty loose affair.

Do we need any guidelines ?

[DingDong]

Mostly about riding multi-lane highways.
I'm sure others have plenty of ideas tho up till now I think KB rides are a pretty loose affair.

Do we need any guidelines ?

Maybe, for open road use but the twisties would have to be open to how much fun your after... I dont know...:dodge:

[James Deuce]

The leader of the group should be someone who is consistant and will maintain the correct pace for the entire group through-out the ride.

Faster riders should move to the lead and put some space between the leader of the main pack before doing wheelies and such, dropping back is OK too but sometimes a wheelie gets very quick and the gap closes too quick.

The group should pass other road users slowly and respectfully, if urgency to pass is presented do so as fast as you can and be sure to make room for anyone who requires space on the other side... they maybe in more of a hurry than you!

In the twisties dont expect faster riders to sit behind at your nana's pace, expect them to go ahead and have their own fun, they will wait for the pack at the end of the fun bits, the leader of the pack should maintain a consistant pace suitable to the entire group.

If you get left behind by the pack... dont worry, as mentioned before they will wait for you, maintain your speed or even slow down a bit... you will not be shamed by being the slowest (unless your on a cruiser amoung sports bikes and even then just for fun)

If a bike in front looks like he's moving over so you can wheelie past, make sure he's not texting on his mobile phone or something first, and unless your moving to the front of the group there really is no need to pass anyone.

Just some things that came to mind:scooter:

All your points just indicate a poorly constructed group.

If you end up doing any of the above, never ever invite that particular mix of riders on a group ride ever again.

[DingDong]

All your points just indicate a poorly constructed group.

If you end up doing any of the above, never ever invite that particular mix of riders on a group ride ever again.

LOL... maybe your right, we dont have a good track record... but we're try'n boss... we're try'n rrrreal hard.

My points indicate the majority of KB groups... with fast and slow riders.

Hows my spell'n Jim?:dodge:

[James Deuce]

LOl - Spelling's not bad there Cletus, errr, DingDong :)

[Disco Dan]

More group riding techniques HERE (http://homepages.woosh.co.nz/dsoutham/motorcycle_page/)

[RC1]

what about when there is a big group break it down to smaller groups of 3-4 bikes within the bigger group and spacing them at 1-2min intervals with faster or more experienced at front progressing to slower or less experienced at back and also a back up group of experienced riders to follow as the last group , or is this how you already do it? (not sure as i have not been on kb group ride yet)

[James Deuce]

what about when there is a big group break it down to smaller groups of 3-4 bikes within the bigger group and spacing them at 1-2min intervals with faster or more experienced at front progressing to slower or less experienced at back and also a back up group of experienced riders to follow as the last group , or is this how you already do it? (not sure as i have not been on kb group ride yet)

Depends on the scope of the ride RCTL. I've organised two really big rides, neither of which had incidents and they were basically broken down in to three groups of fast, normal, and cruisy.

Each group had leaders and sweeps to keep some boundaries in place, clear instructions on routes and meeting points (which one lot ignored :) ), and the leaders of each group were very clear on the pace. A few people were clever enough to change groups at the meeting points if they felt like it too.

There's a massive amount of info on group riding out there (see the links above) which people need to read and understand before going on a group ride. The fact remains that riding in large groups is bloody dangerous, especially if people aren't on exactly the same page. Some times as ride organiser you have to listen to what people are chatting about and then perhaps splinter the groups even more so that you don't end up with groups that have some very stressed people trying to keep up with a pace that may be relaxed for the majority of the riders in the group.

Mental flexibility is very important in group riding. Way too many people go on group rides and get vastly out of their depth, trying to keep up with mates who are comfortable at a different pace. You have to be able to look at yourself, your riding, how stressed you are feeling and try and find a niche to fit in. If you are riding at more than 5/10ths on a group ride, you're pushing too hard. If you get it wrong you are going to hurt some people around you.

[DingDong]

what about when there is a big group break it down to smaller groups of 3-4 bikes within the bigger group and spacing them at 1-2min intervals with faster or more experienced at front progressing to slower or less experienced at back and also a back up group of experienced riders to follow as the last group , or is this how you already do it? (not sure as i have not been on kb group ride yet)

Welcome to KB RCTL,
KBer doesnt really have any guidlines for this... but each individual group might.
The basics: dont tailgate, staggered formation (if you feel comfy doing it) and generally dont be a dangerous fool around others.
One thing to note is most groups dont expect the staggered formation to hold through corners and twisties... single file like.

You should hook up with guys 'n' girls in your area and see what they find works for them.

[James Deuce]

Welcome to KB RCTL,
KBer doesnt really have any guidlines for this... but each individual group might.


We will do in about 3 months when I get Krayy's Wiki plan rolling.

[Lissa]

I have a question... I'm still a learner, never riden in a group ride before, and was thinking of doing the 'wairarapa toy run' next weekend. Should I attempt this? Do I sit at the back.... being a slowpoke?

[madmal64]

There is this also http://www.rideforever.co.nz/road_awareness/group_riding.html
I do have the dvd they produced about group riding. I am happy to burn a copy (Im sure they wont mind) if anyone wants one.

[Shaun]

Quote from above post


Mental flexibility is very important in group riding. Way too many people go on group rides and get vastly out of their depth, trying to keep up with mates who are comfortable at a different pace. You have to be able to look at yourself, your riding, how stressed you are feeling and try and find a niche to fit in. If you are riding at more than 5/10ths on a group ride, you're pushing too hard. If you get it wrong you are going to hurt some people around you.

I know it does not happen every time BUT


Why Not just stop organising these bloody things, if you and a mate want to go on a ride together just go on a dam ride, why is it so important to ride around in big groups, you can all meet some where if that is what it is all about and all be well and healthy

To many people are crashing on them, to many people are getting hurt on them

To many riders are pissing off the Cages that you hate you any way

Maybe it has nothing to do with me as I do not come on these rides, but ever since I joined this board, I keep reading about this and that crash on a group ride, they are fuckin dangerous because

Kiwi males ( In Paticullar) are not going to let there mate beet them! It is a part of being a kiwi male

It is just like finding a fire and taking a bottle of petrol to it

Sorry to be a boring wanker but, Responsibility! Some one starts a thread on a group ride, Great, all kinds of people turn up, Great, a lot of theses riders are un known to each other and a lot of them want to be the MAN! Is it not easier to just Stop organising them and then you can all sleep well at night knowing that you have helped keep your brother or sister safe and unhurt and alive?

I am sure you can all have as much fun riding without 30 other bikes around you, or is it really that important to have these rides, and that the high average % will all but guarantee more crashes and injury and possible more loss of life, based on the last 12 months of things I have read?

Sorry- I cannot show you links and facts and statistics to back this up

Sorry- Maybe some times I should my mouth

Sorry- I have just seen 2 guys leave us because of this exact kind of organised thing

Sorry- for being a boring old wanker

Sorry- for caring about riders lives

PS- I know all of you respect each other as bikers, I also know all of you would do nothing intentually to hurt another- but perhaps what I have just said may keep some one alive and unhurt, Perhaps

Ride hard, but ride safe People

[RC1]

well said shaun RESPECT

[Toaster]

Good thread thanks! helpful reading :)

[James Deuce]

You definitely got the wrong end of the stick Shaun. 90% of my riding is commuting. The other 10% is split up between going for a ride with maybe 2 other mates and one or two tours a year. I've organised two big rides and I've publicly said I'm not doing any more.

[Toaster]

I have a question... I'm still a learner, never riden in a group ride before, and was thinking of doing the 'wairarapa toy run' next weekend. Should I attempt this? Do I sit at the back.... being a slowpoke?

I always feel better coming from behind. I hate the pressure of faster riders behind me (yeah i ride fairly sedately as the potential in my bike exceeds my skill level.).

[Blairos]

I have a question... I'm still a learner, never riden in a group ride before, and was thinking of doing the 'wairarapa toy run' next weekend. Should I attempt this? Do I sit at the back.... being a slowpoke?

The key is to ride your own ride, at a pace that you are comfortable - if this means you are at the back, then it doesnt matter

My 1st Coro Loop ride on my former VTR250 - remember it well (had about 2000K total bike time), we had about 35 bikes, and I always arrived about 7-8 mins behind the rest of the faster, more experienced riders - they always waited for me, which was great!

The way it usually turned out was I would start off each leg in the middle of the pack, and let the faster ones past me at a time that was safe for all...

Ride report here... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=26822&page=6


:ride:

[Shaun]

You definitely got the wrong end of the stick Shaun. 90% of my riding is commuting. The other 10% is split up between going for a ride with maybe 2 other mates and one or two tours a year. I've organised two big rides and I've publicly said I'm not doing any more.




Hi Mate,

NO, I used and abused this thread ( Sorry ) Because I really trythfully believe that our mates would still be here today with out these fuckin things going on

I have aggonised all week long about how to start a thread on this very subject, and then there was the title I needed to hijack because I did not have the balls to stand up and say what I really wanted to on my own! and most of you do not even know me ( The real me)

And I applaud your decision to not organise any more of them, and I really hope a lot more people start pressuring others to stop them.

[Ixion]

What Shaun said.

You're all wonderful people 'n' we luffs y'all, and you're all very good riders , far faster and better than me, but riding with you is just too dangerous.

(How odd that the Ultimate Nana and a racer should reach the same conclusion. Is that significant?)

[Shaun]

What Shaun said.

You're all wonderful people 'n' we luffs y'all, and you're all very good riders , far faster and better than me, but riding with you is just too dangerous.

(How odd that the Ultimate Nana and a racer should reach the same conclusion. Is that significant?)




Thank you RCTL and IXON, I have really been shitting myself about making such a post, and to know that a couple of others agree, makes me very comfortable with coming out with it

[Hellraiser]

Quote from above post


Mental flexibility is very important in group riding. Way too many people go on group rides and get vastly out of their depth, trying to keep up with mates who are comfortable at a different pace. You have to be able to look at yourself, your riding, how stressed you are feeling and try and find a niche to fit in. If you are riding at more than 5/10ths on a group ride, you're pushing too hard. If you get it wrong you are going to hurt some people around you.

I know it does not happen every time BUT


Why Not just stop organising these bloody things, if you and a mate want to go on a ride together just go on a dam ride, why is it so important to ride around in big groups, you can all meet some where if that is what it is all about and all be well and healthy

To many people are crashing on them, to many people are getting hurt on them

To many riders are pissing off the Cages that you hate you any way

Maybe it has nothing to do with me as I do not come on these rides, but ever since I joined this board, I keep reading about this and that crash on a group ride, they are fuckin dangerous because

Kiwi males ( In Paticullar) are not going to let there mate beet them! It is a part of being a kiwi male

It is just like finding a fire and taking a bottle of petrol to it

Sorry to be a boring wanker but, Responsibility! Some one starts a thread on a group ride, Great, all kinds of people turn up, Great, a lot of theses riders are un known to each other and a lot of them want to be the MAN! Is it not easier to just Stop organising them and then you can all sleep well at night knowing that you have helped keep your brother or sister safe and unhurt and alive?

I am sure you can all have as much fun riding without 30 other bikes around you, or is it really that important to have these rides, and that the high average % will all but guarantee more crashes and injury and possible more loss of life, based on the last 12 months of things I have read?

Sorry- I cannot show you links and facts and statistics to back this up

Sorry- Maybe some times I should my mouth

Sorry- I have just seen 2 guys leave us because of this exact kind of organised thing

Sorry- for being a boring old wanker

Sorry- for caring about riders lives

PS- I know all of you respect each other as bikers, I also know all of you would do nothing intentually to hurt another- but perhaps what I have just said may keep some one alive and unhurt, Perhaps

Ride hard, but ride safe People


All though i do not disagree with all your points but i do believe that Group riding has its place.

A perfect example of this is the 250 rides that Mav & McJim organise they are not always with out incident but i have heard many a comment from people who have said if it wasn't for a group ride like this they'd still be stressing about riding at open road speeds.

To be honest I think it is alot safer for newbies to ride in a CONTROLED group than it would be to ride alone, safety in numbers. Like the Guidlines in the first post say ......... drivers may not see a single rider but they usually notice a group.

[beyond]

Well, from what many call an oldy on this site, that's me :)

I do love the group rides. You meet some awesome people and have a lot of fun. I meet heaps of riders from all backgrounds and experience levels.

When I meet the younger ones or the ones I know have just started riding, you have all heard me say: Ride your own ride, your are not out to prove anything so go at the pace that is comfortable for you. I always say as well: it takes at least 5000kms to get to know your bike well but more like 10,000kms to get to know it inside out, so go easy till you do.


However, the fact remains and that is mainly with males (birds seem to be real carefull mostly) that your average Kiwi bloke does not like being overtaken, tries not to be overtaken, speeds up when overtaken and so it goes on. Guys are guys. I'm a couple of months off fifty and the real hoon in me got a good hiding from accidents when I was a young fellow, so I've pulled my head in a lot compared to what I used to be like.

BUT, when on a group ride, no matter how hard you try and how many resolutions you make, the facts are that we ride harder than we should for most conditions. I think if we are all honest, we generally would have to admit that.

I have seen people speed up when overtaken and know full well they haven't got the skills yet to maintain the sort of pace they end up going. Their lines go to pieces, there rear end starts fishtailing into corners and it's a matter of time.

Also, it is common to sse that when you tuck in behind someone and are happy with the pace, the person in front thinks they are moving too slow and then start to speed up, pushing themselves more than they should.

I'm recounting what I have observed. The risk element is increased greatly on large group rides.

On the last ride where I binned, I wasn't pushing as hard as I normally ride because of Gary's off a few months back. I still have no idea why the back end of my bike let go where it did but I believe that may still have happened if I had been riding with just one or two bikes. Glad the missus wasn't on the back.

So, in short, group rides have a much larger element of risk for sure. Perhaps many of the incidents that have happened over the years, would not have happened if two or three like minded individuals who know each others skills well were just riding together at their normal pace.

Just being totally and brutally honest here. I love the group rides but if lives can be saved by keeping numbers down to real small amounts, then we need to reconsider and maybe meet at a designated point for lunch, a chat and then split into smaller groups again riding at comfortable paces.

Not stirring, just calling the shots as I've seen them.

[notme]

Thank you RCTL and IXON, I have really been shitting myself about making such a post, and to know that a couple of others agree, makes me very comfortable with coming out with it

More than a couple of people agree mate, thanks for your thoughts.

[pritch]

Sorry- I cannot show you links and facts and statistics to back this up


The Brit bike mags have reported serious concern at an increase in fatalities and other serious accidents on group rides, a relatively new phenomenon in the UK.

Funny enough the increase is attributed to people who meet on Internet Bike groups and who may never have ridden together previously. Probably only one guy in the group is really comfortable the rest are bored or frightened to a lesser or greater degree.

BIKE magazine posed a question such as, "How confortable could you be doing 160kph maybe a dozen feet from a guy you don't know and who may have been watching kiddie porn an hour ago?"

Sorry but there are people who have posted to this thread that I wouldn't be going anywhere with...

[Hellraiser]

Just being totally and brutally honest here. I love the group rides but if lives can be saved by keeping numbers down to real small amounts, then we need to reconsider and maybe meet at a designated point for lunch, a chat and then split into smaller groups again riding at comfortable paces.

Not stirring, just calling the shots as I've seen them.

Again i agree with everything said bar your last paragraph, I think its more a matter of organising & controlling them better, if you looked at the stats i think you will find more people are seriously hurt or killed commuting than in group rides. The Qk's have a well organised ride which seems to go without any serious incidents and same with the 250 rides.

I do not believe there is a magical answer out there .........

But i do believe that if you want to ride fast ........ take it to the track and leave the roads to those of us that want to enjoy the scenery.

[madmal64]

I do agree with Shauns sentiments in regards to group rides and Im always alot more apprehensive while Im on one. In fact some orgainised group rides I will never go on again, like the the Coast to Coast that is on this weekend. Far too risky for me but its my choice wheither to ride it or not. Call me a pussy I dont mind.
The link in the post I made earlier in this thread may seem rather nana ish but IF there is a group ride is going to happening its all good stuff.
Group rides are going to happen and I think if we endevour make them as safe as possible even if it does seem like its a nana ride then so be it. To me the point of a group ride is to meet new fellow bikers, and enjoy the company of the group as a whole. Lets face it its great when the kids are standing at the side of the road waving and smiling as a large group goes past them.

[Waylander]

I have a question... I'm still a learner, never riden in a group ride before, and was thinking of doing the 'wairarapa toy run' next weekend. Should I attempt this? Do I sit at the back.... being a slowpoke?
A toy run you should be ok with. I've never been on one where the speed got much higher than 70kmh. All you really have to do is relax and pay attention to the bikes around you that you don't get too close to them. THey'll keep thier distance aswell but if one gets a little to close just politely wave them away a little bit.

[Ixion]

Not quite sure why, but I think the "training" type rides, and things like Toy Runs are a different matter.

It's not having lots of riders that is the issue. It's the "keeping up" syndrome
I think the "ride at your own pace" mantra is a copout, it doesn't solve anything. Because all of us feel comfortable at a faster pace when following someone. "He got round OK, so can I". And if the lead rider is a faster/more experienced rider, then the rider following probably WILL be faster - he benefits from followng the more experienced riders lines etc.

So if A is following B, and the pace for the last few miles has been rather faster than A would have gone on his own, he's probably still quite comfortable. He feels he's "riding at his own pace".And enjoying himself. Which is good. UNTIL something goes wrong . B goes in a bit fast. Or there's a cage on the wrong side of the road comming round a corner. Or gravel on the road.

Now B will prolly be OK. He's been riding below his limit anyway, even if he stuffs up, he can probably pull something out of the bag and get through. But A, who's been following him, doesn't have that extra to call on. And then it's goodnight nurse.

[Waylander]

SHaun, I'm not sure I entirely agree with you. Sure group rides are dangerous but without them, maintaining the comunity we have here would be alot harder. Most of the friends I have here in NZ I met on group rides or other functions orginized on here.

Isnt part of the fascination of riding the danger of it anyway? There should be a way to do group rides safely without going the Ulyssys route and taking all the fun out of it. Jim2,s idea seems to work as I've yet to hear about a crash on his rides and us up in Tauranga do ok with the exception of one guy for the most part.

[roogazza]

I have really been shitting myself about making such a post, and to know that a couple of others agree, makes me very comfortable with coming out with it

+1 Shaun. I totally agree , One group run was enough for me , ever since, I sit back every time I'm out, and watch these groups with members way over their heads looking for a place to jump off ! ( they average one per ride ) I want no part of them. G.

[sAsLEX]

What many on the site do nowadays is organise smaller group rides via PM with people they have ridden with and found to be similar to their riding style or people they can trust on the road.

The group who frequent 22 do this and there hasn't been an incident on any of the rides I have been on with them.

Some people cruise, some ride at pace, but the point of most group rides is shooting shit at the end over a pie not picking people out of the scenery.

[SwanTiger]

Well said Shaun and Ixion, I have observed many things on the numerous rides that I have been on and you've hit the nail on the head with both of your comments.

[beyond]

Some people cruise, some ride at pace, but the point of most group rides is shooting shit at the end over a pie not picking people out of the scenery.

Mate, you should use that line as your signature. Great one liner :)

[Donor]

Rant Rant, Waffle etc...(I'm too lazy to edit it down... Donor)

Why ride in a pack?

Because we're pack animals at heart for starters.

Because safety in numbers is good.

Because testosterone (with a little estrogen on the side) is best served in larg quantities.

Because let's face it, it's a skill that needs to be learned.

Because learning can only be done through action.

Because we bloody can.

As has been said, a controlled ride is a safe ride. Ask the 20+ bodies we had on the last 250 ride. Many of whom had never seen so many bikes in one place let alone joined in a group ride. Hell, my first was a toy run. All it too was an old hand giving my a bit of wise counsel and I was fine.

[Drunken Monkey]

... but ever since I joined this board, I keep reading about this and that crash on a group ride, they are fuckin dangerous because...

... and that the high average % will all but guarantee more crashes and injury and possible more loss of life, based on the last 12 months of things I have read?


In all fairness (and this has been discussed a few times before), I don't beleive there has been an increase in accidents, but instead KB gives people an increased awareness of accidents. It's not like people haven't crashed or been killed on rides before the internet.


Sorry- I cannot show you links and facts and statistics to back this up
...


...and in fairness I can't back myself up with stats either.

[ceebie13]

Must admit, I'm not a big fan of large group rides per say. But I am a fan of the "gathering" and "camaraderie" that goes with it. The whole biking thing for me is about building friendships with like-minded people and sharing the enjoyment of riding out at the same time. Having said that, being out in the wop wops with the road to yourself is the perfect detox after a hard week stroking the cat...er, sorry, working. I feel uncomfortable being hemmed in and following like a little duckling so if I do tag along with a large group, I will bugger off and rejoin the group at the pub!

Back in Blighty, I did some long weekend rides organised by Bike Magazine which would hop over the channel and head to a hotel about 350k from Calais. On those occasions you were given detailed "tulip" diagrams which plotted the route (mainly on back roads) using words and symbols and indicated the approximate arrival time at stops on the route. There would be perhaps 70+ bikes on such a trip. Mostly, people would split into smaller groups or even ride alone at their own pace, but you can imagine what it was like when these 70 bikes piled off the ferry and were suddenly faced with riding on the wrong side of the road!

[Vagabond]

Well, from what many call an oldy on this site, that's me :)

I do love the group rides. You meet some awesome people and have a lot of fun. I meet heaps of riders from all backgrounds and experience levels.


BUT, when on a group ride, no matter how hard you try and how many resolutions you make, the facts are that we ride harder than we should for most conditions. I think if we are all honest, we generally would have to admit that.

I have seen people speed up when overtaken and know full well they haven't got the skills yet to maintain the sort of pace they end up going. Their lines go to pieces, there rear end starts fishtailing into corners and it's a matter of time.

Also, it is common to sse that when you tuck in behind someone and are happy with the pace, the person in front thinks they are moving too slow and then start to speed up, pushing themselves more than they should.

I'm recounting what I have observed. The risk element is increased greatly on large group rides.


So, in short, group rides have a much larger element of risk for sure. Perhaps many of the incidents that have happened over the years, would not have happened if two or three like minded individuals who know each others skills well were just riding together at their normal pace.

Just being totally and brutally honest here. I love the group rides but if lives can be saved by keeping numbers down to real small amounts, then we need to reconsider and maybe meet at a designated point for lunch, a chat and then split into smaller groups again riding at comfortable paces.

Not stirring, just calling the shots as I've seen them.

Got to agree with you whole heartedly there Beyond and Shaun!

Ever since my major on a KB run:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=5660&highlight=Vagabond

Iv'e basically tried to stay away from these runs although I have partaken in a few and even copped some name calling for slowing down too much for certain corners. But in saying that I've learnt to ride as hard as I can for as far as I can see, sure I've slowed down slightly from the old days but some of my mates still think I ride f-ing fast!

Anyway I now prefer to ride with my regular mates as we all know what to expect from each other and there's nobody creeping up your bum or overtaking regularly on any corner, in short we all know our place and all riders know where we're going to and still have a jolly good yarn at either end!:dodge:

[Shaun]

Glad to see there are others that feel the same way or simillar

I am going to but out of this now as I am not a road rider, but are a true Biker and want you all to ride safe and enjoy the real buzz of bikes and biker people

Later

[jonbuoy]

I've gotta agree with you there Shaun. Lemming mentality can take over in group rides "If he can make past the car it so can I" I've ridden on group rides but haven't felt comfortable because of the unpredictability of other riders. The only nice thing about hanging in the pack is that your unlikely to get busted for speeding. Nice to tag along with one or two riders occaisionally though.

[imdying]

Too lazy to read the thread... but here's my 2c.

Don't ride with ego driven cock suckers who think chicken strip size is the be all and end all of riding bikes. Don't let them goad you if you do, and ffs, man up and ride your own pace instead of hurtling after them outside your comfort zone. If they give you stick about being last to the meeting place, fuck em, they're not your friends, they don't care about you at all.

We have some pricks like that in Chch, I don't (won't) ride with them. Good chance they'll end up dead, and I won't bother going to their funerals. My only worry is that I know new riders go out with them. I've also seen slower riders bin it trying to keep pace.

Real mates won't leave you behind.

[Blairos]

Too lazy to read the thread... but here's my 2c.

Don't ride with ego driven cock suckers who think chicken strip size is the be all and end all of riding bikes. Don't let them goad you if you do, and ffs, man up and ride your own pace instead of hurtling after them outside your comfort zone. .. I've also seen slower riders bin it trying to keep pace.

Real mates won't leave you behind.

Right on the money there :yes: - what you refer to is a thing called "Self Control" - exercise this, chances are you wont get goaded outside of your comfort zone :ride:

[Scouse]

Hi Mate,

NO, I used and abused this thread ( Sorry ) Because I really trythfully believe that our mates would still be here today with out these fuckin things going on

I have aggonised all week long about how to start a thread on this very subject, and then there was the title I needed to hijack because I did not have the balls to stand up and say what I really wanted to on my own! and most of you do not even know me ( The real me)

And I applaud your decision to not organise any more of them, and I really hope a lot more people start pressuring others to stop them.Well said Shaun because you have just made me think the same way, that instead of posting a Coro loop ride on the calender and seeing how many people I can get to come along I should just pm say 5 or 6 ofthe people I enjoy riding with the most. the last Coro ride I organised had more than 40 bikes turn out, although it was a great day over all rideing, with 5 to 6 others would acheive the same result. I guess I have been guilty in the Past of treating how many bikes that turn out as a Defacto popularity contest.
Shaun again thank you for making the penny drop
Steve
ps tried to bling but I must spread more to others

[Shaun]

Well said Shaun because you have just made me think the same way, that instead of posting a Coro loop ride on the calender and seeing how many people I can get to come along I should just pm say 5 or 6 ofthe people I enjoy riding with the most. the last Coro ride I organised had more than 40 bikes turn out, although it was a great day over all rideing, with 5 to 6 others would acheive the same result. I guess I have been guilty in the Past of treating how many bikes that turn out as a Defacto popularity contest.
Shaun again thank you for making the penny drop
Steve
ps tried to bling but I must spread more to others



Smart man Steve, long may you and your mates ride mate

[Racey Rider]

On the way down to the funeral on Friday, my 150 and me came across some of the Auck/Taupo boys on their big bikes stopped at Shannon. Thought I might cruise the rest of the way down with them, so stopped for a chat and joined them when they took off.
I got a few km in with them, but as the rain started and my bike was getting blown around a bit by the windy condition, the 120 -130km/h cruising speed was a bit much for me on the 150. On a better day I would have kept up with them,, but I had to tell myself, 'Hey, I've got nothing to prove here'. So dropped back to a comfortable 110km/h - had an enjoyable ride under challenging conditions - Made it to the destination.
Yes it would have been nice to keep up, but, Hey - :whocares: