Why I REFUSE to do Group Rides on Motorcycles

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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:32 Someone Gets Hurt
1:52 Selectivity
3:39 Advantages of Riding Alone
5:39 Disadvantages
7:39 Potential for Distraction
9:39 Potential for Learning
11:57 Final Thoughts

[@yammienoob]

If you saw an Upside ad on this video, disregard it! We're not working with them anymore.

[@sjk8273]

The largest group I've ever ridden in was a group of 2. I'm very happy and comfortable riding by myself.

[@ChucksterJax]

Same here. 2 coworkers and that was a long time ago.

[@7screamingdizbusters]

2 company, but 3's a crowd seems apt for motorcycles too.

[@jshumphress13]

Same.

[@rich213sal]

Me too, it's me time

[@cbrmike67]

I am most comfortable as a loan wolf been riding for over 25 years .Testosterone and egos always seem to find each other in big group rides especially among the sport bike riders, seen it go sideways way to many times. I enjoy my time on 2 wheels so I prefer solo.

[@kendil22]

I bought a motorcycle to get away from people, not herd up. I did an Indian event at my local dealer and I hated riding with the group. I saw so many people nearly off themselves because they were too busy playing with the tech and controls instead of just riding.

[@lassebrustad]

figuring out the tech can be done before riding, then testing it when it's safe to do so while riding. it's better to be on 2 wheels, than on the ground with a damaged bike

[@jessesdomain444]

It's not that I won't ride in a group it's just that I refuse to ride with idiots that have no rider etiquette. Riding in a group of 3 or 4 are thee best

[@timothyokeefe1098]

Motorcycles, while having a cool community, are really solo, personal machines. The only thing I want other motorcycles to do while I'm riding is get out of my way

[@elvincastro9479]

At first whenever I got my bike I got sad because don’t have nobody to ride with. But now I ride by myself and can do whatever I want and don’t care if Im by myself.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Well said. I enjoy going to a bike meet and chatting with like-minded people. However, come to going home time I enjoy the solo experience.

[@DaDrillSergeant]

I stopped riding with groups years ago…I’m 45 now and prefer to ride at my own pace

[@noahknight4039]

Same, 41 and I mainly ride to chill and relax. Even on a litre bike or something I tend to just cruise around. I might speed if running late for work or something.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I ride solo. I prefer it that way. When I want to 'make progress' I only have myself to consider, and 'make progress' as and when I see fit.

[@Its_The_Rudy]

Just got my first bike yesterday after months and months of watching your vids soaking up knowledge. Did my MSF course, and bought gear all before I got my bike. As of right now I’m just riding around my neighborhood just to get a little more practice and feel more comfortable on my bike before I go out into the streets. I’m so glad yourself and others are spreading all this knowledge for us. Love the videos 🙏🏽

[@victorbondar95]

TURBO BUSA?

[@jag7513]

Good luck

[@Its_The_Rudy]

@@victorbondar95 I’d be disowned if it wasn’t a turbo busa lol

[@swishh7693]

Please learn in a parking lot for the first week before you hit the streets. You will learn the bike and how not to die and panic in basic situations.

[@RealHooksy]

Good luck Rudy 👍

[@mestep511]

I ride in groups up to one. Like George Thorogood says: yeah, you know when I ride alone, I prefer to be by myself.

[@sendit7777]

I rode solo for the first year and honed my riding. Recently, i found a group of groms to ride with. We have about 20 people with all kinds of bikes and styles. Groms, Navi, suzuki, harley,Hondas, and others. Smaller bikes take the lead, and less experienced riders take the middle. We always start with short rides so everyone learns the pace and the ride style. Love it.

[@brianhoppenrath8379]

Less experience should be in front behind the pace setter.

[@sendit7777]

@brianhoppenrath8379 i do agree with a pack of full size bikes. But we ride this way because the groms can't go very fast, it gives the new people security from the front and rear to get comfortable with their ride, and we can help mentor them later if we see mistakes by riding behind them.

[@aegixxer1]

I have one primary riding buddy. We both make it clear to anyone else that joins us that pace is not priority. I tell people not to try to keep up if they're newer and I tell the fast guys to run along and I'll catch up at the next stop. Group riding is great when you don't try to stay grouped up. Oxymoron I know, but it's the truth.

[@stevek4449]

Like social riding vs group riding….same but different 😂

[@Texakacharles]

Whole reason I want to start riding is for that exact reason; a break away from the monotony of day to day grinds. Plus, I think it will help me along in my personal recovery journey from a different lifestyle.

[@stephen1145]

The flow state is deeply meditative and creates wonderful space for your subconscious to work through the garbage.

[@thedownwardmachine]

I don’t mind riding as a group of 2-4 with emotionally mature and patient people that I personally know. Especially adventure riding off road away from cell service, like you mentioned.

[@Q_N-]

In my younger years, I used to have several friends who ride. We always did a 3-4 group ride. We were also very clear about who leads, and it NEVER changes. We also didn’t like letting random riders join and form a larger group. Not because of stupid reasons like gate keeping or petty crap. We just knew each others riding style, and 1 wrong move could have all of us go down. Group riding is fine, so long as you KNOW each others styles, there’s less chance of shit going south. 🤷‍♂️

[@gregb8824]

Always let the least experienced rider lead the pack to set the pace and don't tail him or push him to go faster.

[@94concours]

Went on a charity group ride yesterday with 300+ bikes. We were not even a mile into it and just got on a highway when a truck merged in front of some bikes causing one to crash. The 2 riders were hurt and one had to be medevaced. Most of the riders then returned back to the dealership the ride started at. Was on a big group ride years ago and a dude on a S1000RR couldn’t make a turn and ended up in a corn field. He was ok, then BMW not so much.

[@giovanhagar]

300 bikes would be a traffic hazard and should require a police escort.

[@Vlaedx]

The last and final time i was in a group ride, someone bumped their front tire onto my rear tire on accident. Dude had a girl in the passenger and both fell off. Thankfully i was able to hang on and stay upright

[@joemalone4224]

being 75,my riding parameters have tightened quite a bit-i follow an acronym i thought of S.P.R.I.N.G. no speeding,no passengers,no rain,no interstate(urban),no nights,no groups-

[@AceGoodheart]

I didn't see a 'W', so wheelies are still a go 😉 I'm a safe rider but I must admit, when no cars are around I may hit that throttle a bit.

[@giovanhagar]

Interstates are one of the safest roads to ride if you don't tailgate and pay attention. No one can turn in front of you.

[@TheFirstCause]

​@@giovanhagar Yes this is why I really enjoy the highway!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

@@TheFirstCause Me too. Interstates (or as we call them here in the UK "Motorways") are my favourite (English spelling) roads, and yes I do sometimes 'make progress' on my ZX14 (ZZR1400 in the UK). I just wish we had Californian weather here in rain-lashed England. We've only had 8 nice days since *June 28th 2023*

[@slimfit767]

Just sell the bike dude

[@Mus.Anonymouse]

Even in a group ride, drive your own pace to stay safe.

[@guzziguy2011]

Been lone wolfing forever. Still in one piece and so are all my bikes. Riding up on slow riders (not slower), I always try to pass to gain my space and separation. What sucks are the guys who refuse to let me pass carefully. Nothing worse than selfish dudes wasting my chance to have a little fun at a faster pace. BS

[@multitaskchef]

I’m not into group rides as well. I love the freedom to choose my own ride. Did a group ride a few months ago. And some young squid wrecks his bike & we sit back waiting for a tow truck I’ll stick with my lone wolf road trips. Happy riding. And THANKS YAMMIE.

[@imsa15463]

Preach on Yamms! I have the exact same mindset. I wake up Sunday mornings, clean the Triumph Street Triple RS and ride a canyon near me alone, simply for the fun and enjoyment of the ride. I purposefully avoid other riders for the very reasons you discussed. Well said.

[@01kayt87]

The only group ride I went on was a honda demo group ride. Everyone was trying new bikes they'd never ride before so it was really chill. Even then someone crashed.

[@mammoth-puppy3246]

I did it papa, I passed my msf today! Thanks for inspiring me to get my first bike, can’t wait to take it out this week.

[@ColtonRMagby]

If I ever do a group ride, I'll be in the front or back. NEVER in between. I don't trust anyone besides my dad in those situations.

[@BLAKEEATS1988]

same here. I used to join rides but then I found out that they F around and ride fast and my thing is if you wanna do that, do it in a track. riding outside is supposed to be relaxing and ur supposed to enjoy nature. that's why I ride solo now.

[@Ian-ny6ux]

Good job, Yammeh. Whatever it is that came upon you to talk about this. I'm glad. Some groups can't figure out why i don't join them all the time is because they crash or do risky stuff and have annoying schedules..and you answered it. Hopefully this goes around and gets to the captains or whoever sets the group rides and that this gives them something to think about.

[@corvinhua4479]

Rider etiquette is also a big factor. I used to ride with a guy. Whenever I lead through traffic, I would make sure the gap is large enough and safe enough for both of us to get through. Whenever he leads, he would gun through gaps with only enough time for one bike and often do it without warning.

[@Scooterdude01]

I agree, and there's the guy who runs out of gas ⛽ or breaks down 😮

[@JesusAlbertoPinto]

Keep in mind, someday you will be the one who breaks down…

[@Scooterdude01]

@@JesusAlbertoPinto Maybe so pinto bean , but I won't be in a group

[@JesusAlbertoPinto]

Easy, no need to get salty. Happy scooting around your house

[@Scooterdude01]

@@JesusAlbertoPinto Hey pinto bean is back, can you play the bongo drums on a group ride?

[@Bigjohn2121]

It's a double sided blade. New people want to meet people with the same interest. Yet they're new and lack experience and may push themselves to either show off or try to keep up. I think events would probably be the best bet if you wanted to do meet and greets.

[@granzlewi]

I dont do the groups especially with people I dont know because Jimmy knows gotdamn well his belt is worn but Jimmy just has to bring his ass along. So when Jimmy's belt snaps guess who feels obligated to pull over and help Jimmy 😂

[@justinhadababyitsaboy7477]

I like the way jimmy is thinking…

[@m.l.t951]

Jimmy has his head on straight!

[@MrBmw2444]

I feel you brother. Keep up the great work you do.

[@bobbysilver272]

As a very beginning motor cyclist I find this video very refreshing. I'm a highly experienced cyclist and have represented cycling clubs in races and events etc. I started off riding solo for 4 or 5 years and eventually joined a cycling club. Whilst I enjoyed some rides, many were a hassle. Often the pace didn't match what I was looking for that day. Also, some cyclists were simply either too careless and downright dangerous whilst others were still new to group riding and didn't know the etiquette to help keep everyone safe. I can only imagine that on motorcycles this is compounded and far more dangerous due to higher speeds and ease that some people can get out of their comfort zones and put themselves and others in danger. I always think the cool idea and romance of riding in a decent sized group far exceeds the reality.

[@fishstikk89]

I'm a new rider in the UK and went on a ride out of 46,000 people a few weeks ago. No crashes, no fucking about, everyone was well behaved.

[@Jim-nm1en]

Was that the Hairy Bikers Dave Myers ride ?

[@fishstikk89]

​@@Jim-nm1en yeah it was. It was incredible. I'll never experience anything like it again.

[@CalmBiker]

I couldn't do that one but did the one in Yorkshire for Dave Myers. 7,000 bikes allegedly. Exact same experience.

[@johndickinson1825]

Dave would have been proud!!!

[@adamritchey4209]

Yes but that's the UK, a reasonable country. Here in America, we're all just a bunch of fucktards essentially. I refuse to ride with other people. If I come up on a group I'll chill for a few minutes and either go a different direction or just take off and lose them. I don't trust anyone, especially some of the people I've seen around here.

[@markiesmith4537]

100% agree - Stopped group riding years ago - In a group half the people go too slow, half go to fast and of those a lot ride dangerously or just plain badly ...and I agree my bike is my freedom machine, to go where I want, stop where I want to scratch my arse or to look at something interesting...There are good elements of group riding but solo riding far surpasses them!

[@ThatMT09]

In my opinion you just have to find a small group wherein you all know what you are capable of doing and understand everyone's pace and trust that no one will do a dirty pass on somebody. It's fun!

[@suba-dude5516]

I just went on my first bike ride with 30+ bikes. No accidents, I actually liked it ok. Mainly stayed behind the crowd and done, all good. Might do it again, but like you said, a bike meet, just like a car meet, is preferable.

[@aldoroman3931]

I can attest to riding with strangers. I am currently recovering from a broken hip. Caused by the other rider not having proper riding etiquette. I'm definitely sticking to riding with people I know and trust, not strangers from now on.

[@Petra-ix3bh]

Sooo hearing you Yammie Noob! After 43 years of riding on the road, it could be me doing the narration for this episode. We'd make great riding buddies, except that we both prefer to ride alone... 😆

[@wesleybiasi4751]

I feel this, I’ve seen far too many videos of people riding in even small groups being far too comfortable messing with each other on the street. Turning off each others bikes, putting them in gear to stall them out etc. does it seem fun sure but the streets are not a place to be messing with each other or getting comfortable. Plus egos inevitably pop out, people go fast for the sake of impressing those around them then someone whose not paying as much attention gets hurt or hurts someone. It also feels like group rides also invite insane car drivers to just be mad and start doing aggressive things. Sure it’s nice to have backup to confront those drivers when you have to but I’d rather just blow past them by myself and get enough separation to avoid a confrontation entirely rather than having one rider getting hot headed and inviting chance.

[@JDye-youtube]

Yep. I ride by myself. I’ll ride with one other but that’s about it. Over a couple and it turns into a race. Poe-Poe loves those groups too!

[@amerigo88]

I'm an officer with a riding association of veterans. We practice group riding, the hand signals, how to respond to cars nearby, etc. We have a chapter Road Captain that scouts our routes ahead of time, carries a first aid kit, arranges a chase vehicle in case a bike breaks down, and provides the safety briefing before each ride. I have been on many rides with our association for the last two years and haven't seen anything worse than dropping a heavy bike at 2 mph in a parking lot. We don't screw around on our group rides - no racing, wheelies, crap like that. Expect to get dropped from the ride if you ate doing things like that which make the association look bad or endanger any motorists, especially us. There can definitely be safety in numbers. I don't ride anywhere but at the very rear of a group ride with strangers (Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, manufacturer's group ride, etc).

[@rickybobby6760]

Way too much work. Takes the fun out of riding...I'd rather ride alone than deal with all of that.

[@briandavies3723]

This here is exactly why I don’t like big rides organized by other people whom I don’t know

[@tinah4711]

Great content. Nice bike, I own a 2017 Desert Sled, love her loads. I ride solo with pleasure and with my bf, because we are chill about it, zero competition, plenty of breaks. Riding is my happy time.

[@overkill1340]

I led three groups when I still had my 636. First two were 8 or so riders in a casual/beginner friendly group on some twisty roads with beautiful scenery. Slow pace was established from the start, new group riders had a chance to ride in a casual group, everything was great. Third group were friends of a co-worker looking for a new place to ride. More experienced and expecting more excitement. On the highway, which I find excruciatingly boring, I rode little above the speed limit, but the group wanted to go faster. I sped up a bit and a few kms from the exit, I slowed down and waved for everyone else to do the same. The guys had a route plan/map from google before we met and everyone seemed to know we were exiting, but most did not match my speed approaching the exit. The newer guy they brought along tried to follow a few of the guys through the off ramp and he went straight off the curve. Not terribly badly hurt, but his ride was done and I never led a group ride again.

[@jimbroen]

After a 120 km ride on secondary highways on the Canadian Prairies last week I met a few dairy farmers on Harleys at a really good coffee shop I frequent. I like riding alone but I love it when I meet interesting people along the way.

[@rich213sal]

GOOD TO KNOW, im not alone when it comes to riding alone❤

[@phil4986]

One Hundred Percent Agree. Too dangerous. Someone never sees someone else slowing down and there is an almost or real collision.

[@ajc-ff5cm]

I ride for me. To pocket my daily stressors and focus/relax on the ride. No social media, no noise (except the wind), no obligations aside from what I set for myself.

[@loamtrailer805]

We did a group ride on bicycles last year and the amount of shenanigans that happened got a few of us some hefty tickets!

[@multi-taskconstructioncomp5749]

Great information

[@masonthibodeaux4060]

I organized a decent sized group ride thru the woods one time, and I ultimately regretted it. We had a couple new guys trying to keep up with some of us seasoned riders and ended up having to limp a guy and his bike back to the trailhead due to him snapping his wrist because he ran out of talent. So I completely agree. Although I never ride alone in the woods simply for the safety factor, I learned to ride with equal and/or better riders than myself, but I have grown to be quite comfortable being alone on the roadways. Nice vid and good topic, keep em coming!!! ✌️

[@frallinger]

Hey, Desert Sled is back! With some thingamajigs on the bars as well. Good seeing ya bud! As for group rides - I've done one. More like a weekend trip, but as a group, but anyhow. Now, my riding friends are all HD boys, so our little crew must have looked really weird to almost anyone. Lead is a really nice custom Crossbones. Followed by a Road King. Followed by me on a full rally-spec FE450 and tailed by another Road King. I'd admit that on the 300-something km motorway ride to my buddy's summer house, I was somewhat envious of not riding an armchair. And the next day when we were out riding some more narrow and curvy roads I almost fell asleep over the bars because it all went SO FUCKING SLOW! So, unless I can convince my veteran riding friends that there are other, somewhat more inspiring, types of motorcycling out there or the Magic Riding Fairy gifts me a new set of friends who enjoy whipping gravel and getting all muddy as much as I do, I guess it's solo riding for me.

[@hatchetjack1031]

I've ridden some poker runs in the past but between the check points only a few bikes ride together. No time limits, no hurry! Ends in a BAR B Q w/ prizes for top poker hands! When I used to ride w/ road racers ( MCRA/ WERA)... someone always crashed, the Ducatis called tow trucks, some one rode too slow and got a 100+ ticket!

[@phantomraven5044]

I'm someone who wishing for quick meets. Some of my favorite moments was when another bike came up to me at a red light, we exchanged a laugh, road down the same road for a few lights, and then waved each other goodbye and went on our ways. I'll never approach someone else, but I enjoy when people come beside me.

[@jayvidz]

100% with yammie on this. I’ve been riding for over 20 years and the only crash I’ve been in was because I was trying to follow reckless guys on a group ride. Since then I’ve been on other group rides from which I return with an uneasy feeling. I ride by myself or with 1-2 others that I’m very familiar with these days.

[@vincentmallozzi4569]

Smart, very smart Hammie!

[@jpseger1689]

I’m with you on this one. me,the bike maybe a buddy or two. Keep it tight and simple. Been on some tragic group rides over here in squidlandia aka Reno/Tahoe area.

[@DJTinyTim13]

The only group rides I do are rides with my MC (vests, patches, no diamonds). We have strict guidelines for riding together: stay in formation, stay together, full patches up front, half patches next, prospects and hang-arounds and visitors in the back, with any cars following the pack, assigned riders block traffic as needed, if someone breaks down only one rider stops to keep company unless we have a chase car, no hooliganing, etc As a result, I’ve never seen anything worse than a dropped bike at a stop light. It’s WILD to me that Yam always sees someone get hurt.

[@ianjenkins6250]

Agreed, that's been my experience too, you're spot on

[@michlsei]

I don't know which groups you are riding in, but I ride regularly with groups. If the number of people is too big, we split the group. The route will be shared to all to avoid issues at traffic lights . A few tips: no overtaking, the slower people ride at the front, check your mirrors, if the rider behind you is missing, you slow down or stop. If the group is big enough, positions can be rotated at major crossings. Enjoy the experience!

[@kowal789]

I feel everything you just said. I prefer riding alone, or with maybe one or two other buddies at most. I do however, attend a club ride on Fridays when I can. Anywhere from 10-25 bikes. Members tandem up front, but ride alongs can do tandem or staggered. No stress besides just staying in your position. Usually head out anywhere from 45-60 minutes out, grab supper as a group, leave and make stop #2 for coffee as a group. All makes and models allowed. Some people find out they aren’t comfortable the way the group rides, which is fine. Even if you are slower, they have a chaser that makes sure nobody is left behind. I still prefer solo or just one or two buddies though.

[@user-qs2vs6ji4b]

Yammie is smart,he is right someone always gets hurt....or sometimes people act differently....in crazy groups

[@absolutelynobody7294]

I’ve ridden in a group a couple times. It went fine. But I do miss having a riding buddy. Mine passed away in March.

[@Jim-nm1en]

In the 1970s group rideouts that I joined in with were normally done at the pace of the slowest and less experienced riders plus we all kept checking on the riders behind in case anyone had any sort of problem .

[@punchbuggyyellow7097]

I commute solo every day so it's fun to meet up with friends on the weekends. Most of them are newer riders who got into motorcycling partially because of me, so I feel responsible for them & want to impart some of my 20+ years of riding experience onto them. But I also really enjoy riding with like-minded people & having fun, even if it's at a much slower pace than I'm used to. We all use the same mesh comm system & I know everyone's riding experience, so I know who to put where in the group to have a fun & safe ride. I'd like to do a random meetup with strangers just to see how that kind of ride is run, but I'll probably just stick to riding with my mates.

[@gabemass8779]

I have done multi-day touring in the mountains on my own for years, totally zen. Garmin InReach is always with me. When I do tour with people, it’s been the same two guys for close to 20 years.

[@RedBud315]

When I was in high school several friends of mine and myself rode Yamaha RD350's and 400's and we rode in groups of 3 to 5 and we had a blast. Mulholland was basically our backyard(actually one of my friends lived on that road) so we did a lot of middle of night riding in the summer when there was less traffic and you could see if cars were coming around blind corners by seeing headlight beams. I'm sure most of the people who lived up there hated us as you could hear the 2 strokes for miles. When I see these large groups rides I always cringe and it seems like they like to taunt the police when doing so.

[@trailblazinwithaspen158]

I feel the exact same way. Except i wouldnt mind riding with some close people once in a while but i usually dont have anyone to ride with.

[@borisz1968]

I used to organise a 2 week holiday ride (usualy in the Alps) on old €500 bikes. Largest group was 18 riders. On the whole I can say it really went well. I have a set of rules and always had a meeting upfront. When we had a large group I would always split them up in groups of 6 riders, just to keep it safe. When we hit the mountains all the riders go solo at their own pace. On top of the mountainpass we meet again. Going down the mountain this same rule applies to the group. Never had any accidents or problems for over 30000km. Planning and rules are the key! But otherwise I also prefer to ride alone. For the same reasons as YN!

[@plugnut4713]

Haha yeah you’re just too cool for the rest of us thinking. Keep ‘em coming brother. Your vid’s are always enjoyable. Kudos.

[@chrisdadigger1018]

I don’t blame you. Too much ego gets dangerous

[@deancooper6185]

I enjoy the solo ride. Ride at my own pace, don't have to worry where anyone else is or taking a wrong turn. Although a buddy of mine has just got his license so probably ride with him to help build his confidence

[@FlyingFun.]

Only times i road in groups was 1 when i was learning on 3 day course, was fun but our ibstructor fell and took out one of his students lol, both ok just minor damage . 2 with a couple of good friends occasionally going to some event or other. Trying to stay together is quite stressful at times and takes away from the freedome of riding relaxed at your own pace concentrating on the road ahead. I ride ebikes off road now and mostly alone too for similar reasons but its nice to occasionally go with a friend to show each other different routes and stop for a chat here and there at scenic spots. My friends are usually slower than mewhich is fine as long as they are happy to lead so i can set my pace to theirs without having to keep looking back or stopping.

[@RicardoGonzalez-rb4sn]

I’ve been on many group rides of all kinds of sizes (up to hundreds of bikes). It’s fun but you definitely have to be cautious. From the first time, I always got the end destination of where we were going so that I could ride the way I wanted to without feeling pressure to try to ride above my skill level. After a while, on bike nights I would show up to the meet spot and hangout and talk then I would take off either before or after couple minutes after and do my own thing and meet up with the group at the end of the ride. I did that because I started to notice there would be people I hadn’t seen at the rides before that would either cause a wreck, wreck themselves, or just ignored our rules in place to try to make the ride as safe as possible. I would typically be in the back of the group just for my own safety so I didn’t have to constantly be checking behind for other bikes. It was VERY rare I would move up and if I did, it was in a group where I knew everyone and how they rode.

[@Etb323]

I feel exactly the same. I have a Cardo Packtalk Edge and have never paired it with another rider lol.

[@Twin_solo_az]

Agree 💯 %. The only non-solo rides I do are with my son who knows I’m slow and stays behind me. Even then, his bike is loud and I can hear him in the twisties and I imagine him right on my ass and get stressed, but he’s not it’s just his loud pipes. I socialize with strangers at gas stations, then move on by myself.

[@corvinhua4479]

Totally agree with you there Yammie. I've done a few group rides and I just didn't enjoy them. A duo or trio is fun, but bigger than that and you start introducing unknown variables.

[@_XRMissie]

"I'm not playing when I'm on my bike, this is not a toy" is going to be my new go-to phrase to other riders on the street.

[@FTRnRhome]

Had a very short ride with a group of 3 strangers and almost immediately became a pissing contest of zooming past one another. I quickly realized "wow I never ride like this, wtf" and pulled off onto a side street and finished the ride on my own. Zero desire to ride with others, to me it's way more fun (and safe) to ride on my own away from the rest of the world for a short time. We all need more "thinking time" for ourselves.

[@pinnedthrottle7690]

As far as someone wrecking goes, I had done many group rides on the way to bike night every Thursday. Over a year we never had any issues or wrecks. Then on one ride to bike night a newer rider tried to take a 90 degree corner (marked as 30mph) at 60mph (and on really worn out tires as we saw once we went over his bike) low sided and went into the weeds, barely missing a fence post and sliding under barbed wire. I was behind him when this happened and i never saw his brake lights turn on, idk what he was trying to do since we take these rides really calm smooth, but we rescued him and he got an ambulance ride to the hospital. he ended up just getting some small cuts and bruising. After that, i haven't ridden with any groups. I still go to bike night once in a while, but i don't want to deal with another repeat if it were to ever happen again.

[@plap.]

I enjoy riding by myself, always have. I like to have the space around me for myself. Adjusting driving lines because of other bikes are riding near makes me nuts after a while. Also agree if you have a few buddies with bikes four is the max. use to go to Laconia In New Hampshire every year with the same three freinds, with our girlfriends trying to keep up with all our stuff in a car or two. It was for the race/rally and it was a several hour multi day thing. Had to plan way ahead for a room because it was a small community with thousands of bikes showing up, only second after Sturgis i believe. It was a blast back then but now it is the been there done that scenario.

[@mrfoomutt]

Amen! I've ridden in groups from 10-thousands, the bigger ones being for charity. BUT.....I agree with you, there's ALWAYS a crash! Just because someone is on a bike DOES NOT mean they know how to ride it, never mind the etiquette. One ride to ground zero we did, 10 bikes came together (3 to hospital) on the interstate 2 miles down the road. 45 minutes later another squeezing by a trailer, broken ankle. Max for me is 5 and people I know and know their skill level. Not riding to get hurt by someone else. I agree with everything you said.

[@sharonhirsch1173]

Great points. I’ve ridden solo and in small groups and really large groups. Overall I prefer solo or one other person. Ride Safe

[@toddmason7429]

Our group.. south florida riders club..usually 6 to 8 riders meets every sunday for day rides..mature riders and very safe and organized..but like you said less freedom and a little boring..😅

[@woobykal68]

I agree. Big group rides either someone comes off, someone breaks down or someone doing stupid shit and gets hurt. I dont group rides any more. I actually stopped years ago. Im happy just to ride with a couple of mates, thats it

[@ganuvien]

There's always the unknown risk of danger in group rides with varying skill levels. But I enjoy them and have met many great people and even learned from better riders, I'm very anti-social and so it's the 1 thing I can do and meet people who are like minded and enjoy the same hobby as me and escape a crappy work life. However as my skills advanced I generally prefer riding with a handful of really solid riders I can trust with the way we ride very spirited generally. There's some advantages riding with a very mixed skill level group that will teach you how to smoothly brake and for emergency situations, for example I've had someone on a BMW S1000RR that jumped in front of me because they thought I was going too slow on the straights but that guy was actually holding me up in the corners to where I have to brake extremely hard because he sucked at cornering entering them 20+mph slower than I would. That's why we always tell everyone to ride their ride but sometimes it's so easy to get stuck in the "keep up with them" mentality when adrenaline is spiking.

[@TheFirstCause]

I got into riding purely to go out with my wife on 2up adventures. We are getting into "bike night" meet ups like Yammie mentioned but not interested in group rides for all the same reasons Yammie states.

[@jshumphress13]

I’ve ridden with someone one time. I stopped to take in the sights at a popular place where I live, another guy parked with a naked sport bike pulled, we talked, and decided to ride together for a little. I knew this was a bad idea when right before we set out he said “I ride I like don’t give a f*ck.” He wasn’t lying. I stayed with him for about 5-10 minutes and split off to go “home”. I love solo riding. A little music playing and you just forget all the stress at home or work. I’m not saying I wouldn’t do a group ride under the right circumstances, but I don’t have any friends near me that right. What are you gonna do?🤷🏻‍♂️

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

I ride with a few mates. A few of us ride at our own pace. One guy likes to get on it, so he'll go for a blast out front and then pull over and wait. We have one golden rule which is no lane sharing whatsoever and all passing must be done outside of the lane of the bike that you're passing. We all know where we're going when we leave to go somewhere so there's never any panic or need to play catch up if the group gets out of sight occasionally. Safe group riding is all about good communications and respect.

[@a_lucientes]

I did one big ride through NYC once and have no desire to ever do one again.

[@toddlaplanteVT85]

Damn dude. You words ring true to me. I ride because I WANT to ride.. now I'll admit probably going 115mph through a 40mph zone on a bone stock SV650 *might* not be smart idea but I will will say I got home in a hell of a hurry to think about it. That and there are zero tracks within hours of me; not happening

[@rodcurrieclassics8102]

Couldn't agree more. Try to get as few as 6 riders through a coffee and gas stop. It takes an hour. Some idiot always rides beyond their ability and ends up in the ditch. If you want to stop for 30 seconds and take a photo of a great view someone's pissed off . I left a group and rode 5000 miles across Russia alone because I wanted to do what I wanted .The feeling of liberation was unbelievable

[@johncave3499]

Agreed, I have riden since 74 and roadraced in the late 70's to early 80's and avoided group rides and normally only ride with a friend that I met when racing but now here I sit with a shattered femur 11 weeks out, not able to fully walk yet from a manufacturer group demo ride. I was up front, and someone lagged behind, and I got hit by a rider less bike on one wheel at high speed and the person on that bike had no motorcycle insurance. If I can get back to work and ride my bike again, I will never ride in any type of group. This is the worst injury I have ever sustained in all my years of riding.

[@giovanhagar]

Surely, the manufacturer had insurance.

[@user-lw8vo7pz6f]

I really dig you Noob! I ride the same way,on my own nonetheless I would ride with likeminded riders but not other 3 buddies..

[@truthseeker2587]

The part about ego and risk factors ring true for sure. At least in my own opinion and from personal experience. I enjoy solo rides much more than group rides because I prefer to ride at my own pace. But I do enjoy and value the company and friendship of others as well. I see far too many ppl get hurt in group rides in the past.

[@wickidgames]

If im riding with a group, its 3-5 ppl. And usually consists of me, my little brother, a good friend, and 0-2 more ppl i know. Typically my little brother who likes the faster more nimble bikes takes the lead, and i, who rides a cruiser, and just chill pulls up the rear, and ill ride slower and more carefully than whoever is in front of me. so no one feels pressured to ride any type of way. Bc im still in back chillin

[@TougeSolo]

I've only ridden in a few small groups. Maybe 3 bikes total. And although its nice to sit down and chat/joke around/etc while stopping for a bite, I don't like having to wait for others, or catch up to others. Or be stuck behind a novice rider who's going to do something in front of me, and cause me to go down avoiding them for a unexpected move. You can always ride your own pace, when you have nobody to speed you up or slow you down. Just some decent music on the Cardo and some country roads and I'm happy.

[@vilhelmsbalodis7637]

in the first year of having a motorcycle license I tried to ride with as many people I know that regularly ride motorcycles. now I mostly ride alone or with friends whose riding style matches my own.

[@raymondwinans978]

I have a a best friend we have been riding together for years. So much that it's just second nature . We do some ground rides . But we met each individually and rode with them and now we are up to like 6, 7 bikes . We just spent a week up at Cherokee. We did tail of the dragon and route 28 moonshine run . Blue ride Pkwy. Good times