I understand that some of you live for this group riding experience. If you do, please ignore. Being one who prefers solo riding and who has experienced group riding in numbers ranging from 2 to 4 bikes to groups in excess of hundreds, my opinion is;
1. Group riding is totally contradictory to the independent spirit of motorcycle riding.
2. Group riding is dangerous at best – even when the majority of riders considers themselves as ‘experienced’
3. The enjoyment of any comradeship is experienced at stops and destinations and not during the actual ride itself.
4. The smaller the group, the better your chance of survival
5. The notion that riders should maintain close proximity to the rider in front is better left to the Blue Angels unless you are actually participating in a low speed parade.
6. Groups should put more effort into planning stops, times, and destinations than riding formation, giving those participating the opportunity to mix, mingle, and converse rather than fret over riding distances and riding pace.
7. Groups should consist of persons with a common destination rather than a parade unless having a parade is the main objective. This allows for safe riding distances, intermingling traffic can be just what it is – intermingling traffic. There’s no need to preserve space, or participate in acts of road rage.
8. Every group should have the means to communicate with the leader in case of breakdowns, accidents. This can be accomplished through a ‘buddy’ system and enhanced with cell phones and predetermined stops and checkpoints.
9. Group riding – in its usually accepted form – at least the actual riding time – is generally a time of white knuckles and clenched butt cheeks.
10. Parade style formations at normal traffic speed is like lemmings looking for that perfect cliff.
11. IMO – Leave me out of the parade. I’ll see ya when I get there. That’s where the fun is.
Ride Safe, Ride SOON, Ride Often,
The Doctor
