 What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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So I'm on my way home today, riding my speedy.(finished first in my class at the MSF course) Up in the distance I see a group of four bikers riding in staggered formation as usual. I was about a mile behind them. They got caught behind a couple trucks and slow moving cars. Eventually after about 20 minutes or so I caught up to them and got in position to the right and behind the last rider. I stayed back a little further than they were in formation. Not trying to intrude or crowd. I stayed with them for about 3 or 4 miles. We came to a stop light, and then went through the intersection. On the other side of the intersection they pulled over into a fire dept. parking lot. I started to wave as I went by, and noticed they were swinging their arms in a circle as to motion me by. I thought they were resting, but almost immediately,they soon pulled back out on the highway behind me about a 1/4 mile or so and followed me staying about a mile or so back for the next 20 miles, where I turned off at my exit. I was very disappointed that they didn't want me riding with them. Did I do something wrong?  Clay
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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removed
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Quote:
Did I do something wrong?
Clay
You obviously forgot to wear the appropriate riding gear; the bandanna, t-shirt, man-vest, gloves, boots, chaps, belt buckle ect. that shows every one within sight what name brand bike you are on (or parked, or trailered, or wish you had) other than that NOT YOUR PROBLEM ride on 
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Adjunct
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It is not considered good manners to join a group without an invitation. Properly you should have either hung back a little farther or gone on and passed them.
Yes! I am a Redneck. Any Problems?
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Learned Hand
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I guess. I would have welcomed someone in my group.
Clay
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 Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
It is not considered good manners to join a group without an invitation. Properly you should have either hung back a little farther or gone on and passed them.
Oh Bull! 
You did nothing wrong, they are a bunch of jerks.
It's not like you were in the middle of them.
Or tailgaiting.
Think of it this way, it's a good thing when a bunch of bleepedy-bleeps identify themselves right away.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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You probably didn't have the right uniform, brand of bike, or whatever.
Ride your own ride.
Last edited by mert; 10/06/2008 6:11 PM.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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In their world (which is also shared by 99% of all riders of a certain American V-twin) you did do something wrong, as already explained by others. But here in the real world, eff them...
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
It is not considered good manners to join a group without an invitation. Properly you should have either hung back a little farther or gone on and passed them.
I agree.
It's not that they didn't like you or your bike or your helmet. To them you were a stranger and your riding skills and habits were unknown to them.
Personally, I don't want strangers riding too close to me to avoid a potential mishap.
No harm, no foul.
Ride safe.
Last edited by Speedmaster05; 10/05/2008 8:42 PM.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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Oh yeah, that too. 
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
In their world (which is also shared by 99% of all riders of a certain American V-twin) you did do something wrong, as already explained by others. But here in the real world, eff them...
No harm, no foul...unless you're really paranoid and/or insecure. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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The last time I came up behind a group ride, about 6 bikes, I rode in the correct spot and stayed back a little ways. The tail rider noticed me and started pointing out road hazards. When I peeled off at my turn, got a big wave. You obviously got behind the wrong bunch.
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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I prefer to ride alone most of the time anyway.
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Quote:
Quote:
It is not considered good manners to join a group without an invitation. Properly you should have either hung back a little farther or gone on and passed them.
I agree.
It's not that they didn't like you or your bike or your helmet. To them you were a stranger and your riding skills and habits were unknown to them.
Personally, I don't want strangers riding too close to me to avoid a potential mishap.
No harm, no foul.
Ride safe.
What would you have done if i came upon your group, and I filed in? Keep in mind they were about 20-30 feet apart, staggered. I stayed at least 50 feet back, maybe more, and in the same formation.
Clay
01010100 01110010 01101001 01110101 01101101 01110000 01101000 <3
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Where did we establish helmets, no helmets, v-twin etc?
You did nothing wrong and it appears they didn't either. Waving an arm in a circle could be a round-up motion. Maybe they pulled into the fire house to meet you.
Everything doesn't have to be bad.
Maybe I misunderstood or misread it.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
It is not considered good manners to join a group without an invitation. Properly you should have either hung back a little farther or gone on and passed them.
I agree.
It's not that they didn't like you or your bike or your helmet. To them you were a stranger and your riding skills and habits were unknown to them.
Personally, I don't want strangers riding too close to me to avoid a potential mishap.
No harm, no foul.
Ride safe.
What would you have done if i came upon your group, and I filed in? Keep in mind they were about 20-30 feet apart, staggered. I stayed at least 50 feet back, maybe more, and in the same formation.
Clay
I ride alone most of the time and I'm not crazy about strangers riding in my shadow. In my experience, most riders are doing their own thing and will pass you, or you'll pass them, and you exchange a wave or a nod.
We can't get inside their heads. But to assume you, or they, did something wrong is unnecessary. It all worked out OK. Some riders will ride with you, others won't. It takes all kinds.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Where did we establish helmets, no helmets, v-twin etc?
You did nothing wrong and it appears they didn't either. Waving an arm in a circle could be a round-up motion. Maybe they pulled into the fire house to meet you.
Everything doesn't have to be bad.
Maybe I misunderstood or misread it.
Well it was hard to write and explain what I saw, but I assure you they were waving as in go away. I don't think they did anything wrong, just not very polite. If they had waved me over to explain I would have been fine, and shared a different story and experience. This particular one was not a pleasant one.
Clay
PS Did have a great day for riding though!
01010100 01110010 01101001 01110101 01101101 01110000 01101000 <3
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Learned Hand
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OP
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
It is not considered good manners to join a group without an invitation. Properly you should have either hung back a little farther or gone on and passed them.
I agree.
It's not that they didn't like you or your bike or your helmet. To them you were a stranger and your riding skills and habits were unknown to them.
Personally, I don't want strangers riding too close to me to avoid a potential mishap.
No harm, no foul.
Ride safe.
What would you have done if i came upon your group, and I filed in? Keep in mind they were about 20-30 feet apart, staggered. I stayed at least 50 feet back, maybe more, and in the same formation.
Clay
I ride alone most of the time and I'm not crazy about strangers riding in my shadow. In my experience, most riders are doing their own thing and will pass you, or you'll pass them, and you exchange a wave or a nod.
We can't get inside their heads. But to assume you, or they, did something wrong is unnecessary. It all worked out OK. Some riders will ride with you, others won't. It takes all kinds.
You didn't answer my question. Don't want to get in their heads, I wanted to get in yours.
Clay
01010100 01110010 01101001 01110101 01101101 01110000 01101000 <3
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
It seems you insist on an answer. 
You seem to be putting WAY too much thought into this Clay.
All I'm doing is asking questions, not accusing, not condemning.
I'm a curious person. Trying to learn. I put thought into everything in my life, helps me learn.
Clay
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Clay, every ride is different and every ride is a learning experience. Let me ask you a question: What would you think if another rider caught up to you in traffic and started following you instead of continuing on his own way?
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Clay, every ride is different and every ride is a learning experience.
Let me ask you a question: What would you think if another rider caught up to you in traffic and started following you instead of continuing on his own way?
Ummm, he's going the same way? Why would I think otherwise?
Do you have a grudge or something against other riders? I don't. If they're not crowding me or doing wheelies, or other stupid things, then fine tag along.
I answered your question. Quid pro Quo
Clay
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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It's OK to be a follower when you're a new rider as long as you make it part of your learing experience. When you're more comfortable on your Speedy you can make the pass around a group of riders and wave to them. Get involved with a local RAT group and do some rides with other guys. See if group rides is your cup of tea or if you like solo rides. Everyone is different. It's all good. Good luck & ride safe. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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YOU did nothing wrong. They simply didnt want you riding with them...maye you were making their bikes look bad  Ive had plenty of people join in on a ride. I have no issue with it. As a matter of fact...during my MSF course it was suggested that if possible you join up with folks, in formation as it makes for a bigger, more visible riding entity. by teh way it sounds....you didint rush up on em, you weret riding too close, you just werent one of them. Life goes on!
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Every little "group" has their own little "code" . I've been biking 36 years and thought I knew about most of these little "nuances" , but recently I came upon a group of about 20 mixed cruisers , guys and gals , rode behind them a mile or so (with a respective distance) , and as I went to go left around them on a 4-lane , chick passenger in rear turned , opened , and tossed a FULL 48 ounce drink on me , drink , ice and all . I was outnumbered and it was a chick , so I let it go . I still to this day don't understand it . So much for comeraderie .  Bottom line - there is a general code of conduct in riding , but there are abberational little "groups" . Go your own way and leave them to their pitiful little selves .
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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What's wrong with you folks here, huh?! THINK about this for a second, will ya?! Clay pulls up behind 'em, right?! They then pull over and let him pass, right?! And THEN they follow HIM, RIGHT???!!! Well...THIS is OBVIOUS, you friggin' dunderheads! Clay is their NEW LEADER they've been lookin' for...and he didn't even realize it!!! GEEEZ!!! Have I got to explain EVERYTHING to you folks 'round here???!!!  ("That's why they called him, The Leader Of The Pack"...VROOM VROOM!!!) 
Last edited by Dwight; 10/06/2008 2:18 AM.
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Maybe they were scared. Maybe they were psychotic. Maybe they just didn't like you.
Whatever their reason, let it go. This "we are family / kumbaya" attitude is more prevelant on the internet than it is on the road.
Give other riders plenty of space unless they indicate otherwise. If you have to pass them, give them a nod or nothing at all then put some distance between you and them.
As mentioned, Go Your Own Way.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
This "we are family / kumbaya" attitude is more prevelant on the internet than it is on the road.
Everyone on the road, every other bike included is an a$$hole...and I have no tolerance or patience for a$$holes.
If anyone I don't want to be in front of comes up behind me, ****** him. There is absolutely no brotherhood out on the road as far as I'm concerned. I look out for number one and can't give 2 ****** about the rest of 'em.
Mark
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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not haveing been there and seen the actual hand signal its hard to say. But it sounds to me like they thought they were holding you up. So they politely pulled over to let you by.
Look for the good in people, not the bad.
Yankee Dog
2002 BMW R1150RT
2003 Triumph Speedmaster
2005 Ural Gear Up
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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No hablamos de malito, Guillermo Grande. 
Last edited by mert; 10/06/2008 6:37 PM.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
not haveing been there and seen the actual hand signal its hard to say. But it sounds to me like they thought they were holding you up. So they politely pulled over to let you by.
Look for the good in people, not the bad.
Yankee Dog
+1
later, Tom.
But, what do I know?
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
not haveing been there and seen the actual hand signal its hard to say. But it sounds to me like they thought they were holding you up. So they politely pulled over to let you by.
Look for the good in people, not the bad.
Yankee Dog
+1
later, Tom.
+2
I've had similar incedents and I think this may have been it.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Easy Wilber!
A gentleman in TX once told me why he wanted to ride shotgun and this could fit with the sickles that pulled over to let you pass...
One of em was chewing tobacco and didn't want you riding behind him as it is one thing to have a cage behind you and quite another thing to have a motorsicklist behind you when you have to spit.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Learned Hand
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OP
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Quote:
Easy Wilber!
A gentleman in TX once told me why he wanted to ride shotgun and this could fit with the sickles that pulled over to let you pass...
One of em was chewing tobacco and didn't want you riding behind him as it is one thing to have a cage behind you and quite another thing to have a motorsicklist behind you when you have to spit.
I'm glad they pulled over then!
Clay
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Seven bikes went on a ride Sunday and several times riders or groups of riders came up behind us. (Our leader was a slowpoke) All of them were polite and waited for a good place to pass except for 2 on sport bikes who zipped in and out of our formation until they were completely by. Them, we didn't like but we didn't follow them either.
Yes! I am a Redneck. Any Problems?
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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GOD! can you imagine this much thought going into driving habits with the cage!? 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
GOD! can you imagine this much thought going into driving habits with the cage!?
No. Cage drivers don't think.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Hmm a convoy hey - seem to remember a problem with one of the trucks in the famous song. I take it you had showered that day  so maybe it was that crate of hogs you had fastened to the back rack with the wind blowing in the wrong direction "It was gettin intense back there" as they say. Or maybe they just fealt threatened by your really cool bike taking attention away from theirs. Jealousy is a terrible thing.
Nil Illigitimous Carbarundum
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
It is not considered good manners to join a group without an invitation.
What? Were you one of the four riders ?
That is such bullsh!t !!!!!!!
Here in the land of enchantment we welcome strangers no matter the bike or your appearance. AMEN !
Budster
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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They probably assumed that, since you caught up with them, you were wanting to go faster but had the good sense to not try to pass the whole group and good enough manners to not pass them one at a time and break into the formation. So, they pulled over to let you by.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: What did I do wrong? Group riding.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I was with the group that pulled over. Tain't you, dude.
I had my full face helmet on, and needed a quick nose pick.
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