09-19-2014, 12:35 AM
Very well stated Mickey. We are members of a small group, with no road captains or formality, the Swamp Riders. Once a month (less often in summer) we get together for a ride to lunch, usually within a hundred miles of our starting point. There are rarely more than ten riders and we are a "seasoned" group, mostly retired and pretty laid back. We take turns leading after stops and keep well spaced on the road. Have never experienced any close calls or temper tantrums riding with this bunch.
As stated earlier, we ride a couple of charity runs each year and I have witnessed some incredible acts of stupidity on these rides that have led to accidents and injuries, including one death. We always ride far to the rear, often out of sight of the group just to be assured that we will not get caught up in someone else's careless actions.
Truly, nothing tops a solo ride. Much as my wife and I enjoy riding together we both do a lot of our rides alone. It clears the cobwebs. It's nearly impossible to be unhappy when your alone on a good road riding a bike you love.
As stated earlier, we ride a couple of charity runs each year and I have witnessed some incredible acts of stupidity on these rides that have led to accidents and injuries, including one death. We always ride far to the rear, often out of sight of the group just to be assured that we will not get caught up in someone else's careless actions.
Truly, nothing tops a solo ride. Much as my wife and I enjoy riding together we both do a lot of our rides alone. It clears the cobwebs. It's nearly impossible to be unhappy when your alone on a good road riding a bike you love.