Big Rides............ no thanks

I remember rolling into Sturgis back in '86.  What a rush ..  Bikes , hundreds of bikes, everywhere.  Rolling along, you might find yourself in pack of dozens.. hundreds.  At some deep level, it was a rush .

Fast forward to 2006 and I'm rolling into ROT down in Austin.  Just going light to light, you could be in a pack of 200 bikes.   Again, what a rush .....

Seems like every year there is a big 'Toy Run' or other fundraiser.   You roll in and there might be 50 bikes.. or 1000 bikes. If they are well managed and there is a police escort and they handle the intersections, usually works out.  Other times, not so much. Chaos

Over the years, I've seen idiots pile into each other.  Read about idiots piling into each other.  Hundreds of bikes spaced out on the highway with their heads up their asses, creating dangerous situations with cages.  Riding tight with your buddy is one thing, but.. with someone you don't know?   Not so much .............

Lately, I've found myself in some group rides that have made me question .. 'why?' .   So many folks don't understand keeping their line, their distance, being truly cognizant of the other riders around them.  Basically, in their own world, surrounded by 50-100 other people watching them, thinking they are a f***ing idiot.  Or, maybe it's just me that has come to the realization they are an idiot.   And I don't want to ride with these idiots anymore.

I used to enjoy these bigs rides... maybe I still do deep down.   But , less and less.  Weaning off of them.

I used to enjoy riding in a large group of misc bikes.  Not so much anymore

I used to enjoy riding in a large group of HDs when on my HD.  Not so much anymore

I used to enjoy riding in a large group of Indians when on my Indian.  Not so much anymore.

Just because someone rides a particular brand of motorcycle, same as yours, doesn't make them your instant 'brother', your new best friend, someone you can trust.  There are morons, idiots, that ride every brand, belong to every rider associations.  They are among of us.  And, they are multiplying.  How else do you explain they continue to increase? lol

I do like riding with those I trust.  Those that have been 'vetted'.  Those that are my brothers.   I truly enjoy riding with my Iron Indian chapter. A few others out there I've learned to trust....will continue looking for.

But somebody please smack me in the back of the head if you see me in a group ride surrounded by people I've never ridden with before..............