So my local board is planning a big group ride for Labor Day Weekend and it got me thinking: why?

Am I the only one who dislikes group rides?

Can someone explain the attraction of a group ride?

I mean when you lead you've got all sorts of crap to deal with. Like, where you are and where to make the next turn, and how far to the next gas station, and to go fast enough so the fast people don't get board, but slow enough so the slow people don't get scared, and watch for cops, and keep an eye on everyone behind you in case you need to pull over.

It's not much better on rear guard, you still have to watch for cops sneaking up behind you. And you're normally the first on to stop at whatever emergency while everyone else is turning around. And for some reason, being the last one is just plain boring. Can't explain it, rear guard is just boring.

And when you're in the middle, you're just one of the herd, just another sheep following the one ahead of you. Who is never going the right speed, too slow when you want to go fast, too fast when you want to go slow. You're always making sure you're not too close to the person in front of you and that the person behind is keeping up. And it's such a pain in the ass to pass. It's like when the driver feels insulted for being passed by the first 2 bikes and has to speed way up to compensate until the next corner where they have to slam on the brakes to keep from tipping over and now half the group is stuck behind this idiot until they can gun it passed him.

Forget about parking. If it's one bike, you can sneak up on the sidewalk or squeeze in next to the handicap spot, but try that with a group and you'll have enforcement there writing tickets before you unzip your jacket.

I just don't get it.

When I ride, if I get lost, I don't care and I don't have to get yelled at by some other rider who's no better at leading than I am. And sometimes it leads to really cool little places I would never have found otherwise.

Alone, I ride as fast or as slow as I want and if I speed a little and get a ticket, oh well, I really don't care. Speeding tickets are stupid anyway, "so what," I say, but in a group it's a big deal. Had a guy tell me since I was leading I should pay his and everyone's tickets, then gave me regular updates on how long the ticket would be on his insurance for the next year.

If I want to pull over for a smoke or a picture I can, but in a group by the time you've signaled to everyone else, you're 10 miles past whatever you wanted to take a picture of.

I'll say it again, I just don't get it. And again, can someone explain the attraction of a group ride?

I never had a bad experience like that in a group ride... I rode with a huge harley group once... but the didn't do any twisties... and it was boring. I like some group rides just cause I like the people I ride with... good company. But often in group rides you get people pushing their limits to keep up... and that's never a good thing. I always hang back when I first learn a new ride... or when riding with people I don't know... just to see how they react to things... personal preference is smaller groups... of equivalent riding capabilities.... but I like to ride... group or no group.

Have you ridden with the portland group yet? They're real nice if you'd like to head over there and introduce yourself. If not, no worries.

To me, in a large group, its not as much about the ride, but more about being with other riders and friends. Its about hanging out with a bunch of people that like to ride bikes, and in the case of the Portland ride that you're talking about, its about meeting new people and forming bonds with other Ducati owners. Its about networking so if something happens or you need a tool, or a stand, or whatever, people know you and are willing to help you out.

Again, I feel like the group ride is something that you do to meet everybody and enjoy a ride with fellow enthusiasts, not so much a ride to push your abilities the entire time. The one that you're referencing is going to include some noobs. Sometimes the more experienced riders go out and tear it up. Maybe you would be more comfortable with a group that is more your level?

It's also how I got sucked into an 848. Group rides allowed me to test ride a 749 and a few other bikes.... then I had to sell my S2R and get the 848... (Damn you, Maurice... this is all your fault.)

I couldn't agree more cloud2blue, I can't stand riding in lrg. groups because of the cluster-make the beast with two backs you just described.

I also wonder why everyone wants to do group rides on major holidays...that's when that cops are out in force (at least here in CO they are), and traffic usually sucks in the mountains due to tourists.

Group rides and holiday rides = no fun IMHO.

T

I think they're fun (the big groups) if you're not looking to push yourself. Like I said, its more about networking to me.

If you're in a group (5 or less is optimum) that is your level of riding, then I bet you could ride like you want to.

I still suggest talking with your fellow Portlanders and seeing who's on your level. Maybe a small group ride is your thing. Maybe not.

It couldn't hurt right?

Just a suggestion, just an opinion. To each their own.

I generally find motorcyclists to self absorbed obnoxious assholes who are hell bent on proving the size of their pricks instead of having a good time. I, being happy with my prick and finding no need to wave it around in public, think like this: Hmm . . . I could spend a an afternoon going where ever the make the beast with two backs I want, stop when I want, pee when I want and not have to listen to retards that have nothing else to talk about other than a) how fast they go b) how many miles they ride c) how many bikes they own d) how many track days they did this year e) other obnoxious moto related crap designed to establish some bullshit "hardcore" motorcycle heirarchy that exists only in their own minds. make the beast with two backs group rides and make the beast with two backs the make the beast with two backsing make the beast with two backsers who like them. Ridng with a buddy or two is great. Riding sandwiched in the middle of 20 asshole strangers who may or may not be in their right minds? Um, make the beast with two backs right the hell off. I would make exceptions for well organized charity or memorial rides.

sac


/sexist side note below:
// I have found that women often times love group rides because either a) they ride better than 90% of the guys on the ride and therefore can summarily dismiss the prick waving or b) they get heaps and heaps of the attention they so deperately crave
///many exceptions of course

They should be called caravans.  I've found large group rides are social events more then rides.  They are good if you're more interested in getting lunch and b.s.ing then riding.  If you want to really ride in a group, go with 2 to 5 guys similar in speed and style, with nothing to prove to each other.  Great fun and the safety of having a buddy there to help out should somebody go down is big plus.  And everybody has something to learn from each other - its a great opportunity for that too.  Been riding both street and dirt with the same small group of guys for 12 years and everybody's familiarity with each others skills and riding habits allow us to move pretty quickly down any road or trail.

They also tend to attract attention.


I've been on a few and I had fun.

Thanks Luca.

Maybe your thinking too much about everyone else. Might just need a more selfish approach.

I ride regularly with a group of fellow italian bike enthusiast. We usually have somewhere between 30 and 50. Someone decides where we are going and its a matter of making your way there. those who want to ride fast end up out front and within a few miles you end up riding with someone your comfortable with. Sometimes traffic lights mean you end up riding on your own until you catch up or someone behind catches you. Anyway, we all seem to end up at the destination within several minutes of each other.

Sometimes I enjoy these rides, other times not. I also enjoy getting out on my own or riding with 2 or 3 friends. Mixing it up a bit helps keep the balance.

Wow man, if ya don't like group rides ......... don't go on em.  I participate in a few, but we usually brake into several groups of 4 to 6 and go in different directions, maybe meeting up a the same place for lunch etc. and then at the end of the day at a little honky tonk for a couple of beers before going back to tell the all important lies.

The main thing on all the "group rides" is to ride your own ride. If you get lost you know where you started from and can find the way back maybe.

Ride your own ride. I know what you mean about some of the down sides of a group, but the people I know that I do occasionally ride with are so "talented" and such good people, wonderful people, I'd not miss it for the world.

There's good and bad in everything.

LA

the biggest group ride ive ever been on is like 9 deep. I perfer dual rides, but anything under 5 is good. I like riding alone too cause i can do whatever i want.

i prefer riding with a single friend, or 2 friends at most.

Quote from: LA on August 26, 2008, 06:51:10 PM
Wow man, if ya don't like group rides ......... don't go on em.  I participate in a few, but we usually brake into several groups of 4 to 6 and go in different directions, maybe meeting up a the same place for lunch etc. and then at the end of the day at a little honky tonk for a couple of beers before going back to tell the all important lies.

The main thing on all the "group rides" is to ride your own ride. If you get lost you know where you started from and can find the way back maybe.

Ride your own ride. I know what you mean about some of the down sides of a group, but the people I know that I do occasionally ride with are so "talented" and such good people, wonderful people, I'd not miss it for the world.

There's good and bad in everything.

LA

This describes our regular group of riders.  We're definately a "Ride your own Ride" group, and the largest group we've had has been 16.  Most of the time it's 6 or less.

I go once in a while to be social, but in general, I prefer to ride on my own, on either kind of bike.