Group rides

[goldenchild]

In the past I've posted up for group rides, some open call, some not. In both cases, the pace at the front while in the twistys ranged from a mediocre pace to a fast pace (though still never going above 70%, 7/10ths). For the past few seasons this seemed to work out well right up until this season. However, this season there have been a lot of crashing going on and I couldn't figure out why.

In an effort to keep these rides going , AND have them be as safe as possible I decided to change things up a bit. Granted, there's is only so much I can do to keep folks safe, I certainly can't keep someone from riding over their particular skill level, but I think my behavior up front has had a little to do with the get offs. I can always tell people to ride at their own pace but the bottom line is that if someone sees the rider in front of them taking 25mph turn at 90mph, they're gonna try to take the turn at the same pace, whether they have the skill or not. Thankfully, all the accidents this year have been at low speed; I'd say 40mph and under. But as you can see from all the pics posted in the ride recaps, a lot of damage can be done to the bike and rider at low speed.

I still want to continue to do these group rides as I enjoy riding with new people as well as riding with familiar faces. I love showing a new rider some new roads and maybe, just maybe, help them to learn how to improve their riding skills. I've met a lot of great people and have made a lot of great friends through running these rides in addition to meeting all my brothers, the Usual Suspects.
Frankly, if it weren't for these rides, I think I would've become bored with riding motorcycles already.

So here's what I'm going to do... I'm open to any further input and or suggestions...

My little set of rules will apply for all rides no matter what the pace. For those up in the cheap seats, the rules are simple -

- You need to be able to prove that you are legally able to own and operate your bike. Which means - current insurance, current registration, current inspection, and an "M" endorsement on your license. If we get pulled over for whatever reason and you're not legal, I'm not going to ruin the day by following you off to jail to bail you out, or ruin somebody else's day by having them ride you 2 up in order to get you home.

- Gear. Here's a touchy one. In a perfect world, everyone would wear full gear but I'm not anyone's mother so the choice is yours. I will say that I do not like rolling with squids (even though I'm the world's biggest squid at heart). As most of you folks already know, all the US's wear full gear from head to toe including separate CE level 2 back protectors. Thankfully, most folks that come out on the rides do wear full gear so this isn't really an issue. Jeans and tims don't count as gear.

- Contact info (new rule). If you're planning on coming out, please provide me with 2 phone numbers. Your cell phone number, and an emergency contact number in case things for you should go south. Picture this - we're out riding, you crash and are unconscious, you cell phone is smashed and we have no idea who to call. If you happen to have all your emergency info on a dogtag, on a card in your wallet, whatever, then fine, don't worry about the 2nd number.

- Be considerate. Please show up to the appointed meet up spot on time and with your bike fully gassed and your tire pressure already checked. It pisses off everyone if you drag us all to a gas station to wait for you while you go on about your business.

The rides. The rides will broken up into 4 different kinds of rides, there'll be an "A", "B", "C", and last but certainly not the least... "The GCR".

The "A" ride -
If I post up for an "A" ride, then not everyone is invited. Why? The pace will be fast. Many traffic laws will be broken, and hooliganism will ensue. A lot of the roads will be very technical and not appropriate for beginners. Pace in the twistys will be as fast as possible. apart from gassing up, stopping will be at a minimum, not even for food. Your participation on an "A" ride will have to be cleared by me. If I've ridden with you before and I think you can handle it, you'll be able to come along. If I've never ridden with you before... sorry.

The "B" ride -
This will be the most common ride I post for. Everyone will be welcome to come along, seasoned vets and new riders alike. The pace will be moderate but I'll still be hanging off. The roads will be technical but not the most technical and everyone will have ample warning of harder sections. I will provide a copy of the route to anyone who wants one (via email), but that won't happen until late the night before and you're 100% committed to the ride. Stopping... time for gas stops, pee breaks, and a quick bite will be considered depending on the group's needs. There will be a cap to the size of the ride.

The "C" ride -
To be honest, I probably won't be posting up for these rides that much (if at all) but for the sake of having the option there... the "C" ride will be the new rider putt putt ride. Everything that the "B" is but slower.

The GCR -
GCR's (short for Grilled Cheese Runs) are invite only. I won't divulge what goes on during them and what kind of riding we end up doing, suffice it to say, jail is a definite possibility. I do on occasion invite folks that aren't up to that style of riding, and when I do, GCR's are pretty mellow and enjoyable.



Questions? Comments? Concerns?

[Cru Jones]

I think we've covered this issue pretty in depth & that your group ride grade scale is pretty self explanatory. I think a sticky should be in order that details the difference, so you don't have to keep posting up rules & what each grade means in the future.

[CDawg]

My only suggestion is to make "B" rides closed to riders with <2000~4000 miles of experience.  That's where most of the accidents happen and they should really be in the "C" group.

Also, new NYMMC DMFer should fret with the lack of "C" rides.  I typically will run at least 1, but no more than 2 "New Rider" rides which (in GC's categorization) is a "C" ride in the May/June part of the season.

[EvilSteve]

http://www.msgroup.org/Articles.aspx?Cat=11
Some of that is a little goofy but there's some excellent information on that site.

I don't think a sticky is in order, this applies to rides that GC organizes, it's not the NYMMC ride structure.

My suggestion would be not to post any ride that not everyone can join. If it's by invite only, then of course we'd love to see the ride report but just PM the people you're inviting.

Why bother putting a C on there at all if you're not going to do it & not (it seems) take it seriously?

[goldenchild]

http://www.msgroup.org/Articles.aspx?Cat=11
My suggestion would be not to post any ride that not everyone can join. If it's by invite only, then of course we'd love to see the ride report but just PM the people you're inviting.

Why bother putting a C on there at all if you're not going to do it & not (it seems) take it seriously?

For "A" rides and GCR rides, I won't bother posting up for them as there's no point. As far as "C" rides goes, whether I'll ever put one on or not remains to be seen but apart from CDawg & IG, nobody else seems to do them, much less post up for any group rides at all. Yeah, I know there are desmo rides but this ain't desmo. I probably will end up doing one or more next season, we'll see.

[Grrrly]

Yeah, I know there are desmo rides but this ain't desmo.

nope, it certainly isn't  .... which reminds me the holiday party is coming up! woo hoo!!

(edit:  many DESMOites can ride circles around us  )

[mookieo2]

My suggestion would be not to post any ride that not everyone can join. If it's by invite only, then of course we'd love to see the ride report but just PM the people you're inviting.

+1

[GLantern]

Glad you got it all figured out GC.  Your whole system looks like its going to work out very well and keep you enjoying the sport

[FLSTFI_E46]

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

... keep posting up on any of the ride levels since I find the NYMMC forum more informative, interesting and enjoyable thay way.  Just like anything else, people can just decide for themselves to engage or not engage in the NYMMC community.

nope, it certainly isn't  .... which reminds me the holiday party is coming up! woo hoo!!

See you guys there ! 

[SRduc]

Just my 2cents.  I've only been on one ride with GC and can say you guys are responsible and considerate.  I know, what a lovefest.  Our sport is about calculated risk and skill development.  GC-- however you want to roll with ride posting is fair enough.  You laid out the risks and responsibility fairly.  If anyone doesn't like it, let them step up and do some organizing.  Your postings are much appreciated.