Not so great group ride

Sit · Post by **Sit** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 10:27 pm

Have seen some post on the forums that they dont like group rides. I have always thought group rides were kinda fun, but then again the group has always been less than 10 bikes. Now I know.

This weekend was the 2nd Annual Poker Run in Columbia County Oregon to raise money for the Kidney Association (I think). A group of us did this ride last year last year and it was okay. We nicknamed it the Hill-billy run due to, well you can figure it out. Columbia county is kinda rural. The ride itself was almost all Harley and each check point was a tavern. We just left first and set our own pace away from the pack.

This year I couldnt get anyone interested in going, wonder why? But decided to go it on my own. My 12 year old daughter decided she wanted to ride along so after a scramble to find her some gear that would fit, we were all set. Finding gear for a 12 year old girl that was actually good gear was a challenge, but a different story. Luckily she is tall and able to wear small adult sizes. Anyway, we get to the start point and of course it is dominated by Harleys once again, each announcing itselft in the most obnoxious exhaust notes they could manage as the rolled into the parking lot. We checked in and paid for our poker cards only to find out it was now a group ride that would not leave for another hour or more. So much for staying out of the pack and away from the noise. We decided to stick it out though and waited around for the start while we watched arriving bikes trying to park without falling over. Some how no one did. My daughter did note that we were the only ones not in leather and without tattoos.

Finally the ride started and it was a mad dash out of the parking areas and onto the highway. It was pure chaos with 100 plus bikes all jockeying for position. We made it half way out of the parking lot before our first close call as some yahoo tried backing into us with his bike. I guess he does not know the brakes work the same while backing up as they do going forward. We got out onto the highway and this mob slob of a group was taking up both lanes and had no form to it. There were bikes side by side, bikes running up either lane trying to find their buddy and basically just going every which way. We settled into a spot and tried to maintain some sort of discipline as to where we were in relation to bikes in front of us. This proved impossible as no one could stay on a particular side of the lane. I saw no less than 4 near misses as bikes merged in and out of the pack with and without signalling and forcing other bikes out of their spots and onto the shoulder or into other lanes. Several of these maneuvers caused the chain reaction panic braking of other bikes that would filter back through the pack. Several times while braking to accomodate activities in front of us, I checked my mirrors only to see some (fill in the blank) on a vrod riding up on our tail. By the look on his face, I could tell he thought he was going to hit us at least two of the times and so did I. I could tell my daughter was aware of some of this based on how tight she would squeeze.

I put up with this for about 5 miles before I called it good and turned off. I told my daughter we were not going with the group and would go on our own ride. She seemed more than fine with that. We let the group get about 10 minutes ahead of us and went on our own merry way.

Groupt rides of that size and mentality....never again.

Post by **DSKYZD** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 10:36 pm

Yeah, poker runs are so far removed from group rides they're not even on the same planet. 8 is pushing it.

There are better experiences out there, sorry yours wasn't very good. Don't give up.

DSKYZD

Sunbeemer · Post by **Sunbeemer** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 10:55 pm

Sorry that it wasn't a better experience for you, and glad you had the good sense to get the Heck out of there before something really bad happened to you and your girl.

I feel the same way about group riding in general, and have not yet had one good experience participating in one, although I admit I'm not a "joiner".

I just like to ride my own ride...it's safer and more fun for me.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:19 pm

You did the right thing (getting away from that mess)....especialy with your daughter on the back.

DJ

Post by **sjbmw** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:50 am

We did one of those 80 mile police charity rides a couple of years ago.
20,000 bikes.

When start of the line was arriving at the Jersey Shore, the END of the line was leaving Philly.

The police closed the roads, so it was more palatable, but I doubt I'd do another.

Post by **wncbmw** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:21 pm

Those kind of rides are an invitation to chaos and disaster! I have only tried one poker run and left it early because it also had all the check points at bars! should tell you something there!

Even the more organized runs, like the Toy for Tots and Ride for Kids (Pediatric Brain Tumor foundation) are just an opportunity for lousy riders to showcase their lack of skills!

I usually make my donations and ride in the opposite direction!

Sit · Post by **Sit** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:30 pm

This ride was quite frustrating. Up to this ride, I have done numerous small group rides, 10 or less bikes and some larger charity rides and/or poker runs. They were a go at your own pace though so it was easy to distance yourself from the harley herd. Oh well. Live and learn I guess. Will I do more of this one, no. Will I do more charity rides, slow learner I guess, I will try to some more, but I like what wncbmw said, make my donation and ride in the opposite direction. I will be quick to do that if need be, maybe go to the ride with an alternate ride idea in my pocket just in case!

Post by **OU812** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 7:42 pm

I ride quite often with my "Harley neighbors", and I get what I expect. If we do over 100 miles, it was a good day.

Hogan's Hero · Post by **Hogan's Hero** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:30 am

Sit....
Sorry you had such a miserable experience. Sounds like the ride ended up being alright and an important lesson might have been learned by your pillion.
I think you might want to let the organizers of the charity know your feelings. That's the reason you went there in the first place. There are probably many who share your interest in actually enjoying your day supporting their cause.

They may not care, but you'll feel better.
I have never ridden with a group and have no interest in doing so. Your story may be the most important reason for that.

kantuckid · Post by **kantuckid** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 11:52 am

I hear you on the group ride thing-some people are lemmings-some not. It reminds me of those days when my sons were young and playing ball-some parents will follow the bus/other parents like a security blanket to the other school/ball diamond etc.. It all flys in the face of what is supposed to be a "free spirited " affair, i.e., riding a bike is a release for most of us, not a confinement. I guess it reminds me of being made to march in parades as a young enlisted man! Give me the open road and a riding partner or two is fine.

Sunbeemer · Post by **Sunbeemer** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 4:05 pm

I have to recant what I posted earlier since I rode with a small group (6 total) to the BMWMOA rally in West Bend this year, and it was really pleasant! Good riders and friends all, and that has to make a big difference. So, I guess the important thing for me is to know your group and their capabilities!