Group Ride .. Pet Peeves

Large Group Rides... to Ride or not to Ride... that is the question

Over the years, I’ve become somewhat opinionated on this subject.  When I ride with my buddies, there are usually less than 10 bikes... so it’s manageable.   But several times a year, I find myself on some of the big rides.  You know the ones.  The Toy Rides in December.  Charity rides for children, some for fighting diseases, some to help others in need.   Many of us look at these as opportunities to help, others to ride with fellow riders, others as simply an excuse to get out and ride.  But, big rides (ex. 50+ bikes) expose the problems and dangers of riding with fellow bikers.

Here are some of my thoughts. A few of my pet peeves.

• First, the Good!  .  I’ve been on several rides that had Police Escorts.  Police Block the  major intersections and other potential trouble spots along the way.  Thank you!   They went smoothly… Went Perfect.  Without a hitch.  No cagers trying to kill us.   Kept the momentum of the ride (speed) up.  

• I’ve been on some rides up North where they do the blocking of traffic differently as well.  Instead of 2 or 4 Riders being the overall ride’s blockers, folks near to the front of the Ride peel off and do the blocking. When the group passes, the fall to the rear.   Next intersection, folks from the front peel out, do the blocking, then to the rear of the group. Repeat as necessary... works awesome and smoothly!

Now…   some of the things I hate.

• Blockers that roar up to the front after the group passes.   WTF?   You’re cruising along at 60mph and these idiots come flying up around 100mph, creating their own hazard.  I’ve seen them force cars off the road.  I’ve seen them dive into the group almost causing an accident.   Refer to my comments on the front folks peeling off.  Best way to do it!

• The Leader accelerates to speed quickly... or worse... past the posted speeds... before the group has caught up or even departed the parking lot!   The leader should proceed at a lower speed until EVERYONE has joined up and then accelerate to max speed for the Ride.   And they should keep it near the posted limits!  And here’s a thought…. Use the cruise control so we don’t have a 100mile long accordion?

• Staggering.  This isn’t rocket science.   Most know what a staggered ride is. If you don’t, don’t’ do a group ride until you figure it out?  Eventually, you’ll find yourself in a situation where there are gaps.  You have a couple of choices now.  Either rotate your position left or right to get the correct staggering back... or... slide up a position or two to eliminate the spacing.  It’s simple... and it makes for a safer ride!

• Distance.  Don’t be the idiot that leaves huge spaces that cars can slide into! Ride somewhat tight (within reason)!  Nothing worse than that idiot that leaves 30... 50 .. or even 100(!) feet of spacing between bikes!  If you don’t feel comfortable riding a little tighter… well... maybe you shouldn’t be in a group ride?

• Speed.  If the group goes into a corner at 50mph…   at the speed is posted at 50mph... Don’t be the moron that slows down to 30 or 40 creating a traffic jam behind you.  If you don’t feel comfortable taking corners at the posted speed….. you need to go out and practice.  You certainly shouldn’t be in the middle of the pack!.  Hell, if nothing else…. Go to the back... and keep your distance.

• The Freeway (!).  This is potential chaos!  You've got to get everyone on the freeway .. into a single lane , as simply and quickly as possible.  If you've got 200 bikes behind you , how the hell do you manage this?  Well, stay off the freeways for one... but...  not always feasible. What you can do is NOT start changing lanes oblivious to what is happening behind you .  Additionally, sooner or later cages will have to enter/exit the freeway .. and with dozens of dozens of bikes in the way ..... shit happens.  My .02 is if you have a distance to travel, get folks over into the far left ( fast ) lane and do 5mph over the Speed Limit.  Now we only have to worry about the cars on the right side and minimizes the chaos.  A mile or two before exiting, you've got to get the group back to the Right lane for the exit point.  This is a dance of sorts and rarely is it graceful.  In fact, it's usually dangerous.  If you leading this craziness... think it through 

ADDED:

• Just because someone owns a bike.. .doesn't mean they have the right to be in a group ride.  I don't know how many times I've seen seen a new rider... on a big shiny new touring bike, with his spouse, and new shiny leather pull up with less than 1000 miles under their belt with their new "M" license... and join the group.   I do NOT want to be anywhere near this rookie!  Sorry ...