How to be a good riding buddy (Revzilla - Common Tread)

[the Ferret]

First off... is Holiday Inn Express or Comfort Inn the "fancy" one? LOL

My touring trips are usually, although not always, with a group of couples. That is a bit different than having a single riding buddy on a ride. I have a riding buddy, Fran, who generally prefers to ride by himself, at a higher rate of speed, and for longer distances. He is a very experienced rider and we talked about having to flip a 'switch' mentally when riding with others. I think that's what the author of this article is saying.

My main riding buddies for day rides are my brother-in-law Tony, and my friends Glen and Mike and, of course, my wife Cheryl. We seem to be in sync on most, if not all of the items mentioned in the article except that we only line up side-by-side at stop signs. I like to think that we have each other's back when something bad happens or looks like it might. Actually, I feel the same way about riding with The Ferret, although, we've only ridden together (without a group) maybe 3 or 4 times. He's predictable and I can ride his ride--or maybe it's more that he and I can adapt enough to ride OUR ride.

I understand Guth's comments about when concern about your buddies distracts you from the business of riding your bike. There is a balance point, though. It took me a long time to find it and it helps a lot that I tend to lead riders who I trust and whose riding styles I understand. I don't check my mirrors for them as often now as did when I first was leading. Now I just ride like I'm riding a 100' long bike with 5 passengers. LOL. That's a funny image, but it keeps me properly spaced in traffic and I ride with the confidence that my "passengers" will stay behind me and will not "fall off". It takes some extra focus, but being able to talk to someone about where we've been and what we've seen when we stop makes it worth the effort.

ok Mr fancy pants.

Holiday Inn express is the fancy one. We usually pay about $120 a night for a Holiday Inn Express. About $80 a night for a Comfort Inn. Both have beds, showers, TV's and Continental Breakfasts. Everything I require. One just costs 50% more.

BTW my wife would prefer the Holiday Inn Express as well, and sometimes I give in, but sometimes I don't. I normally just want a shower, watch some TV and go to sleep after a day on the road. Doesn't need to be all hoity-toity.