Riding your own ride

[slofox]

I would have to say that the Waikato LOR group rides I have been on have never given me much cause for concern - apart perhaps from the odd close following distance from time to time.
I have no trouble keeping my own pace. I also like to ride in space, so I keep distance from the riders in front of me and if someone is close behind I will slow to let them pass. I do the same on any road ride with other traffic, group or not - ride in a gap and ride to find a gap if in heavy traffic.
A degree of organisation on a group ride is not amiss, especially for the less experienced riders but ultimately I have to agree that each is responsible for themselves. Which is why I think Carver's original post is pertinent here.
But then, I have been riding for gazillions of years and the desire to impress is well behind now. I have little enough time left on this planet to not want to shorten it any more...and what time I do have, I want to spend riding as much as possible. So I try to ride safe. Safe for ME. Whatever others might do.

[Katman]

If I wanted to 'organise' a ride I'd ring around or PM a few friends (yes, I do have some) to see if they fancied getting together.

An open invitation on KB invariably turns into a haphazard free-for-all and in doing so becomes something that's almost impossible to 'organise'.

[Mikkel]

On the subject of group riding:

It isn't just in the field of motorcycling that you can get into grief if you let your ego take you for a joyride - although the consequences are often more spectacular and permanent in motorcycling compared to other activities.

If you're feeling any pressure to push yourself, you're with the wrong crowd I reckon. Well if they are gonna judge you for it.

If you feel a need to push yourself when riding with a group you are in the wrong state of mind and really need to take a break and sort yourself out.

I for one, No longer ride fast. Ill quite happily let the other guy think hes 'more skilled' than me as he rides faster. I still do have trouble though not giving out the learn when the push their big ego around saying how awesome they are. Im working on it though.

Good man.


On the subject of saturday:

I wasn't there, I don't know what happened and from what I have read on here it was just a very tragic event. However, it does not sound like an event that was caused by an ego-laden atmosphere or even anyone pushing the envelope.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I have certainly had an occassion or two where I have managed to cross the centerline involuntarily because my focus slipped for a second and my eyes got glued to something they should stay away from. Not because I was going hardout, but because something just threw my mind of balance (e.g. seeing patch of grit on a blind corner - and on that occassion carver's advice in the OP would have seen me happily riding on the inside of said patch of grit...).
It's a terrible feeling and I rode away thinking "I just died, right there." Only chance meant that there wasn't a stocktruck heading the other way at 90 km/h... we can not all be that lucky all of the time. In just the same manner that some people walk away unscathed from major fuck-ups there will be times where the smallest mistake can be fatal. When your number is up, it is up - try to draw as few numbers as possible.

And you guys who were there to watch it happen, you have my most heartfelt compassion. I know you will never forget - but I hope it won't trouble your sleep for too long. As one of the guys said, talk to eachother about it - it's the best way to process it.

I didn't know disturbed, but I have a feeling it could have been any of us - RIP Michael.

[Unit:Me]

Well Im riding one of the biggest, fastest bikes around. I ride in group rides often, a lot of the time thats with the Tauranga crew and we know each others riding very very well. Ive done several coro group rides. I usually find Im on my own, could be 20-30 bikes out there, Im on my own, at my pace, usually last to arrive at said destination. Great, my drink and lunch already ordered for me.
We have had a number of new and inexperienced riders join our crew lately, and they get the same speech from all of us, ride no more than 80% of your known (to yourself) ability, dont try to keep up, here's where we are going, one of us will follow for a while to monitor new riders ability, but in the end your out there on your own. We care about each other, patiently wait when we stop for the stragglers to catch up, then carry on.
The big group KB rides, each person has to put into context, look after yourself, buddy yourself up, take responsibility for yourself. Be safe.
Im sadden there was a tragedy on the weekend, and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this.

[Matt Bleck]

If I wanted to 'organise' a ride I'd ring around or PM a few friends (yes, I do have some) to see if they fancied getting together.

An open invitation on KB invariably turns into a haphazard free-for-all and in doing so becomes something that's almost impossible to 'organise'.

I like the open invitation KB rides, it's a great way to meet people and make new friends.

[Katman]

I like the open invitation KB rides, it's a great way to meet people and make new friends.

And if that was what they were all about I'd come along to every one.

[idleidolidyll]

I like the open invitation KB rides, it's a great way to meet people and make new friends.

That IS what they are about and that IS why I like them too.

Those and the SATNR have given me a bunch of new friends with whom I ride on other days in smaller groups.

[Fatjim]

Riding hard should be kept to the track, and the TRTNR.

[Chrislost]

And if that was what they were all about I'd come along to every one.

So, in your opinion what are they about?

I believe you may be one of the only ones who actually thinks whatever you answer to that is the truth...

[Katman]

So, in your opinion what are they about?

I believe you may be one of the only ones who actually thinks whatever you answer to that is the truth...

They're all about the race.

It's the truth (TM).

[caseye]

"The race" is never far away on any ride, be it 2 riders or 100 riders.
The trick is to ride to your own ability and not to be sucked into any shenanigans.
If you can't do that in a group ride situation then don't go along! Who said that?
Christ, I did! wow, but I can't tell someone else what to do, I can and have advised them to simply " ride their own ride at their pace".
No one can do more than that.
Sure a quick route discussion an agreement that the front runners( ha what were we saying) will stop and wait at mjaor intersections and the ultimate destination unveilled are all accepted as common practice.
But to split groups into fast medium and slow is hypocracy at it's worst
Who is going to do that?
Based on what information?
"Ride organisers"
"Yeah right"! those who actually use such a term for any KB or othewise group ride are guilty of needing someone else to take responsibility for their own actions as they can't do it for themsleves.
Therefore they shouldn't be there in the first place.
I've been lucky to make some good riding mates over the last year or so and I don't know any of them who'd up and leave me stranded if I was having problems, they'd wait with me and or ride at my pace with me till, I got home safe and sound.
Those same guys and girls ride some damn fine machines capable of very rapid transits but they look out for their mates too.

[gunnyrob]

I enjoy riding my own ride. Last Saturday (the 20th) I rode the loop with 3 other KBers. We all rode at a pace that we individually enjoyed. At one stage I was ahead, but then stopped for the others to catch up. I was not in the slightest miffed when some of the others "came on song" & went ahead, in fact, I was even treated to a "special wave" by a delightful bunch of drunken hens on a bus tour just before Coro township once they realised bikers were on the road behind them (Just me at that stage).

Today I led a group of beginner riders (assisted by advanced riders) at an open road speed of 70kph. Everyone had fun.

I have pretty much stepped up to giving the pre ride briefs at the ATNR if Dawn can't attend. I give a brief about pointing, leading, Tail End Charlies, actions in the event of an oops etc. I normally finish off with "Let's have a good time, & please consider others." I would be gutted if I were in Andy's position & if people would accuse me of being a crap organiser if someone got hurt on a public road, I would have to say that they were advised of the risks & they still took part.

Fuick, just before Christmas, a ride I was leading hit some unmarked roadworks & 3 of 5 bikes went down the road. Was it my fault? no. Even thaough I got through & 3 mates went down the road (all minor injuries thank goodness)

Peeps, our sport is fan bloody tastic. The amount of fun I've had over the last week has been second to none. It's a crying shame we've lost another rider, but if you boil it down, life is about risk MANAGEMENT, not risk AVOIDANCE.

Ride your own ride.

[Chrislost]

"The race" is never far away on any ride, be it 2 riders or 100 riders.
The trick is to ride to your own ability and not to be sucked into any shenanigans.
If you can't do that in a group ride situation then don't go along! Who said that?
Sure a quick route discussion an agreement that the front runners( ha what were we saying) will stop and wait at mjaor intersections and the ultimate destination unveilled are all accepted as common practice.
But to split groups into fast medium and slow is hypocracy at it's worst
Who is going to do that?

Its really pretty fkn easy...
first you get your kit on, then you start your bike... you with me?

then you like rev it once or twice, and put it into gear...

As your leaving the gassey you kind of ride how fast you want to go, and suddenly you find a bike or two! If they are riding at a speed your comfortable with tag along 50m behind them, if not slow down or pass them.
by the first pub you will have found your group...



More often than not, you will find groups of friends who ride together are making up a larger group and this is actully done for you...unless you ride with forum "professionalsss""

[caseye]

LOL oh nice one there Chrislost, it is simple.
My reference was to a so called ride organiser being in anyway capable of determining who should, could or would go in what groups.
I ride on the road with mates, newbies and expereinced riders. no armcharis involved, love it.

[idleidolidyll]

They're all about the race.

It's the truth (TM).

a 'race' is when two or more riders are determined to 'win', to beat the other riders.

people should be careful not to call quick riding 'racing' if neither party overtakes or tries to overtake the other.

2 or 3 riders going quickly in procession is not a race