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[MYCVO]

Careful while out on Runs ! Escorted or not !
I went to the 6th annual memorial "Toys For Tots" run hosted by  Cape Cod Hog
 A local run that I've been on since it started, and I saw alot of new faces and bikes. Not this this is bad thing but, in cases of runs, this was. Coupled with the fact that this is supposed to be a escorted and guarded run were ALL roads and intersections are to be blocked for our safe passage as a group.
Whoa!! NOT !!
The ride was full of mishaps, riders that were green as green comes switching lanes, lagging, then speeding to catch up, cutting around and into lanes. A lot more than I've ever seen. Its great that we have these riders, but it's getting a be a little weird.
The police guards did their part were needed, but I'm a little surprised that Cape Cod Hog did not ask for guards to step up, 20 or so to run blocks. There were more than 30 points that were left wide open and cars were pulling in and than getting stuck in line and forced to the side.
One van did get pretty stupid and was trying to weave though the bikes, a fairly new rider trying to get around the van got curbed, went down, and I heard broke only an ankle, Thank god.
Now one of the guys I was riding with is a Cop, he was several back from me in my group and tried to stop the van by getting in front of him but that didnt work out because the van hit him at the tail of his FLH and dropped Doug's bike over onto of him. Doug didnt get busted up, but hurt just the same, the bike took some damage but not major, still road it home. The van driver was arrested.
Not more than 2 miles past that another bike on the road, A young rider didnt look more than 20 yrs old on a Sportster clipped the curb rounding a light.
I got to just 1 turn from the end of the run (this is where I get out) cause I need to find all my people before we go into the meet. I stop and so do 6 others with me, I hear of what happened to Doug and that the others are with him.
I see the police car directing traffic at the last intersection leaves because we are now the end of the bikes , than The cruiser is back within a minute cause 50 -60 bikes are now coming from a alternate route, than more bikes from the route that we just came from so he had the intersection completely screwed up !! Not his fault he has no idea whats going on at this point.
We left to see Dougs condition, not real bad but he's done and going home.
This has always been an easy, smooth, and fun TOY RUN,  what a surprise.
Next meeting will surely have this topic to bat around.
Point here is there are just some many new riders out on the road, and with their lack of ride knowledge, cars arent the only vehicles to watch for.
This was one time I wish I had a helmet cam, I would drop off the tape to the local motorcycle driver training school for them to reveiw.
Get  out and ride BUT WATCH YOUR AZZ !!!!

[Twolanerider]

MY,
The "Watch your ass" warning can never be too emphasized.  We just can't ever count on everyone else to watch it for us.  It's only worse in bigger groups.  Lots of bikes in a small space always requires more patience and skill.  Do that with lots of new riders and it requires divine intervention.

Don't remember who or in which thread.  But was talking about this with someone a couple of weeks ago.  Only thing more worrisome than new riders in a group is a new rider on a big powerful bike like ours that he's just not used to yet.  Put that in a group and that's when things tuck up behind your belly button and you know you better just hold on tight.

[MYCVO]

2lane,
You know we should start having sections at the end for new riders in groups, with tires strapped onto the bikes like bumper cars, or big orange stickers on new riders bikes for warning markers.
 I know we all started out as new riders, but those days the bikes were nothing of todays powerhouses, it will be wonder how many of them survive

[bgregston]

I'm not sure whether I want to just blame new riders but I certainly agree that the organized zoo rides get more common everyday. Twolane hit the nail on the head again. Patience has no meaning anymore. It's all about instant gratification. Just watch the kids, if they can't have it right now, they're instantly bored and move on. On the road if there's a slot that will move someone forward it's like an obligation to take it regardless of how it affects those behind. I remember an organized ride where we were lined up in the left lane to make a left turn. There were riders that were jumping out of the group into the right lane to go up and join back into the line further up. Road Guards can't stop craziness like that. You know with the big Harley boom, anymore it's harder to find someone who doesn't own a bike so I guess there is an abundance of new riders. You can talk about things like that in a riders meeting but most don't have the patience to attend or the attention span to listen. It's becoming a big issue to me of whether to follow old traditions or skip it to ride safe.

[Twolanerider]

2lane,
You know we should start having sections at the end for new riders in groups, with tires strapped onto the bikes like bumper cars, or big orange stickers on new riders bikes for warning markers.
 I know we all started out as new riders, but those days the bikes were nothing of todays powerhouses, it will be wonder how many of them survive

A whole section of Hazard Cones (that could be their nicknames) !  It could be a charity ride where you bought tickets to watch.  [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

Ok, I will be good.  I will not pick on a new rider.  Everyone has to start somewhere.  

You're not kidding about starting out different though.  I can still remember the raw mind bending power of my first bike.  Had to eat beans before riding or it wouldn't climb uphill and the parts of it that were still British leaked so much that you couldn't ride it long enough to ever reach top speed anyway.  

I'd like to think that if I were getting my first bike at 40 or 45 years old I'd have enough sense not to get something that weighed close to 900 pounds and pushed 100/100 + of HP and torque as a starter bike to train on.  At 20 or 25 I know I wouldn't have had that much sense.  But it is their money.  If they love it, go for it.  Just please don't wreck in front of me and don't be offended if I ride a bit farther away until you've acquired some skills and patience.  The rookies on the NASCAR circuit have the yellow bumpers for a reason.

[JCZ]

Exactly the reason that I don't do the large group rides anymore........they're suicidal. [smiley=nervous.gif]

[WFP]

MYCVO,

Be careful Saturday since I may be on the Cape, just kidding!  The wife needs to go to Colonial Candle in Hyannis.  If Saturday is nice, will be doing it by bike...otherwise, she can go solo in her Tahoe on Sunday as I watch Football...

[ccr]

We rode a ride like this recently in an event called "Rumble in the Tunnels" and it should have scared the bee jeez ies out of me enough to pull out of ranks, but we kept keeping up with folks.  We'd slow down to eight unsteady miles an hour in a tunnel, and they shoot out going 80 - 90 mph.  Cars and trucks weaving in and around us.  Scary!  It wasn't just the newer riders, but the event was "sold" as a police escorted event, it was known that the expected number of bikes would far exceed 5000 and I even overheard a policman saying groups of about 400 was the size they were expecting.  Again, we are all responsible for our own rides, so I think we were remiss for not recognizing sooner that the event was doomed and just pulling out and away.  We still had a fun day, of course, we always do, but I will never do a ride of this type again.  Now I say that, and I am not opposed to doing the Rolling Thunder ride, that is a lot of fun. And of course, if any of us can plan an IceCream Run, I don't care if there are 2 riders or 20, that sounds like fun too!   [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

 [smiley=cherry.gif]

[MYCVO]

MYCVO,

Be careful Saturday since I may be on the Cape, just kidding!  The wife needs to go to Colonial Candle in Hyannis.  If Saturday is nice, will be doing it by bike...otherwise, she can go solo in her Tahoe on Sunday as I watch Football...

WFP,
 I dont think you'll be watching football, Sat is going to be nice and Sunday even better  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif] I'll make it a point to be around the area, just to meet you, say hi, see the bike, if you know around what time you may be over that way.

[HUBBARD]

Yeah, 'er 'uh, MYCVO,
  I agree with JCZ, on this one!  I respect their right to ride, just don't have the patience for amateurs.  I've actually experienced my riding style cause some new riders to ride beyond their skill.  Don't want to be a part to someone getting hurt.  Not to imply I'm an expert rider, but years of riding does give one an edge in aggressive riding.  Hell, most of them up here stay away from me and OTIS anyway.  [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif] They get their kicks twistin' 'em from red light to red light, while OTIS and I twist 'em across States!  [smiley=yes.gif] Later--HUBBARD    

[MYCVO]

Mrs We,
You know that's the thing, as you said (still had fun) same with me with all the mishaps and yahoos during that run, I still enjoyed it. And every time my butt is in the saddle [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]  My rides are now more cautious orientated, now that I'm riding with my son alot and one younger brother both of which have only this summer started riding. When my friends join with us for most events and some "out for a ride" days, I get some release from that. The guys like watching my sons back, and seeing the big chiteating grin on his face. It makes one remember back when it was them starting out.
 I still love it when I get out before anyone shows up !! JUST ME ,or me and my wife. love it-- love it-- love it. Just cant get enough riding. [smiley=drink.gif] [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]

[spydglide]

 [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif] They get their kicks twistin' 'em from red light to red light, while OTIS and I twist 'em across States!  [smiley=yes.gif] Later--HUBBARD    

Now Otis keeps saying that the only thing you twist across states it that Featherlite.   [smiley=trailer.gif]  Who's a guy supposed to believe?   [smiley=nixweiss.gif] Har!  spyder [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

[CVOandChop]

I am road captain for my local HOG group.  Our group is small & hence I know everyone & their level.  Still, it gets a little hairy at times.  I usually try & get the new rides in front, it seems to keep them out of trouble & causes less "rubberbanding".

I do not usually ride in groups outside of HOG functions, as I have seeen some of the worst group riders at these things.

At least in HOG, we try & keep everyone informed of the rules, group etiquette, techiques, etc.

 [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[MYCVO]

Hubbard,
I totally agree with you on that, and yes bringing lesser skilled riders to levels that they aint ready for !
It's a great thing when you have a rider to share miles with, that you can turn loose with, and just have a hell of a good time.
I love solo riding, no concerns, no obligations, just running it. But having a buddy that does the same is a great thing.
Those years of experiance makes you the expert. I would like to ride with you and Otis one day.
Ride ON ! MYCVO [smiley=drink.gif]

[MYCVO]

I am road captain for my local HOG group.  Our group is small & hence I know everyone & their level.  Still, it gets a little hairy at times.  I usually try & get the new rides in front, it seems to keep them out of trouble & causes less "rubberbanding".

I do not usually ride in groups outside of HOG functions, as I have seeen some of the worst group riders at these things.

At least in HOG, we try & keep everyone informed of the rules, group etiquette, techiques, etc.

 [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

CVOand Chop,
Welcome to the site brother !
Ya Hog rides are normally well put together. This one fell apart. Rather surprised me for a normally smooth and fun (run). I know that this will be addressed and next time will be planned out better. The chapter is thinking more riders, more $$ or toys for the kids. But time has come to start thinking about how many little to no experiance riders are mixed in. Just going to have to get more blockers and some riders to run the group line to wave them rubberbanders.
 [smiley=whip.gif]