To Group-Ride or not.

Blog #18

Once you’ve ridden enough to surpass the intermediate level of over-the-road motorcycle riding, the question becomes; To participate in group rides or not.

Disclaimer: What follows is my opinion. Slower, more passive and generally lesser men might not agree with me.

We all know extremely experienced riders who have long ago sworn off of group rides. They choose to ride solo or maybe with one trusted friend. For me, once the number of riders exceeds 2-3 like minded, equally experienced and skilled riders, it’s a group ride and my expectations change.

Well organized and well led group rides are a great way to develop confidence and skill for a newer rider. A good road captain (ride leader) will balance the ride tempo amongst the new to intermediate riders. The captain will also keep an eye on everyone, especially the newer riders. The more skilled riders will coach new riders in areas where they need to improve. Unfortunately, more experienced riders looking to push the ride a little harder are probably not going to find great satisfaction in long group rides. But, group rides can provide great opportunities for Christian fellowship.

Another reason more experienced riders avoid group rides is that sometimes lesser skilled riders make mistakes that can cause harm to themselves or others. I’ve only experienced this hazard on a couple rides with just a couple riders, but it is enough to make one consider riding solo more often.

We all make mistakes, even the most experienced riders. But, it’s usually a rare anomaly, not a systematic behavior when an experienced rider makes a mistake. We’ve all dropped bikes, looked away a second too long and we’ve all come too close to the edge of the road a time or two. IMHO, the most dangerous rider is the one who thinks that since they’ve been riding for many years that they are a safe rider when the truth is, they never rode enough to improve from being a new rider. And of course, they periodically show up on group rides. Their lack of self awareness becomes the ride captains problem and a potential hazard for those riding close to them.

I have little patience for riders who show up just enough to be dangerous, but not enough to improve. Group leaders owe it to the group to have policy in place to address the rider who has systemic problems that endanger everyone else. Without that policy, some good riders will start backing away from group rides. Fortunately, those dangerous riders are few and far between, but a reason some swear off of group rides.

Everyone rides for enjoyment. The most technical (twisty) rides should be reserved for the more advanced riders. This is accomplished by not posting those rides on the group schedule and personally inviting the advanced riders on off riding days. If the more advanced riders don’t get enjoyment out of rides, you’ll lose them from the group. Technical rides are bad when you have to do them at a quarter speed to accommodate lower skill riders. It’s a balancing act. You have to throw your advanced riders a challenging ride at a brisk tempo once in a while.

If you ride with and support a biker ministry, you need to support their group rides. It’s part of the commitment. You need to show up with realistic expectations; this will not be an aggressive ride, we’ll probably stop more than you like, and you need to keep an eye on new riders. Group rides are more about creating a fun, safe learning ground for newer riders than it is for you to test your limits.

The need for speed.
So, how fast do you ride? Some would say you should never go over the speed limit. Some say never go more than 5 mph over.

Traffic flow changed during the pandemic. The pandemic was the excuse. The post George Floyd environment was the reason. Many elected politicians (mayors, city council members, etc.) didn’t want police stopping minorities and people of color for misdemeanor violations, including traffic stops. The optic was too politically incorrect for them to bear. Since police officers can rarely tell the skin color of a violator before the stop and since ethical police refuse to do race based policing, they didn’t stop anyone for “routine” traffic violations. That suited politicians since they would rather tolerate misdemeanor crimes and traffic violators than activists taking over their public meetings. The activists owned the field and to some degree, still do. The virus came along in perfect timing to give them a reason. If someone tells you political correctness isn’t the reason for our new driving culture, they’re lying. Trust me. I lived it.

For a long time police simply didn’t stop speeders. You saw this in your neighborhoods and especially on the freeways. Traffic flow accelerated . . . Significantly. It’s come back some, but not a lot. Traffic flow is still normally 10-15 mph over the posted speed limit and sometimes more. This is especially true once you’re beyond the grasp of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Those of you who ride further than the local Dairy Queen know what I’m saying.

If you get out on the freeway and drop well below the flow of traffic (down to the speed limit), you’re probably putting yourself and your group in danger and you’re impeding the flow of traffic. An indicator is when cars and even semi trucks are trying to pass your group (while giving you the middle finger). Leading a group on a major roadway below the speed of the traffic flow also makes it very hard to stay together and follow you on lane changes. That’s because your group is surrounded by vehicles trying to get around them. If you can’t bring yourself to lead a group at the speed of the traffic flow, stay on rural roads before you get someone hurt or worse. Rural roads are not near as bad.

My bottom line about group rides is this. Consider every skill level when you write the schedule. Save the challenging rides for the advanced riders and don’t be afraid to pick it up a little. Lead it like you own it.
Have the courage to create a plan to deal with the rare dangerous rider before they really hurt themselves and/or someone else. That’s leadership 101. You lose leadership cred when you don’t deal with the problem. You also give the problem your tacit approval. Be assured, your group is talking about. Finally, don’t take offense when you hear a few of your best riders slipped away on their own to dust it up a little. Aggressiveness and recklessness are not synonymous. Every biker needs to be challenged and enjoy the ride once in a while. Thanks.

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