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Post by De Graaf van Salland on Aug 23, 2009 16:29:30 GMT 1
As I wrote in the "popham thread": I went on a daytrip today with the local bike club. The weather was super, the route was beautifull (the area of "Giethoorn"). Unfortunately I can also say that riding in large groups of bikes is not "my thing". I was hoping to be able to enjoy the views & countryside. But riding is such a large group creates a so-called harmonica-effect. Due to this effect, you really have to pay attention to the bike(s) in front of you. It's not a very relaxed way of riding . Also there was no possibility to adjust your speed or take a break when you wanted to. One or two of the bikes (Harley D$&^*#$*n's) also made quite a lot of noise. And I felt uneasy to intrude in the peace of other people who want to spend a quiet sunday. So I don't think that I'll become a member........... Franklin
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Post by rj2para (Bisto) on Aug 23, 2009 22:04:46 GMT 1
Shame to hear your day did not go well. Riding in even a small group can cause frustratons. But may be worth a revisit.
Off to bed now as I am shattered after the dash back ;D ;D from popham. I will post back later.
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Post by Jaz66 on Aug 24, 2009 0:11:30 GMT 1
Hi franklin Not ridden in a large group, but kinda know what you mean, Having to watch what the rider/riders in front are doing (Yeah I know we watch cars etc ) does take away from the journey and i reckon you would also get caught up in travelling at their speed rather than yours. Although single riding is ok maybe smaller groups is the way to go? Bit of company at the end of each ride and fewer to dictate the pace or play Yo-Yo's with the speed and bunch then spread at each change of speed.
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Post by rj2para (Bisto) on Aug 25, 2009 12:21:31 GMT 1
Hi Franklin, Having had a couple of nights sllep after Popham. (I think we all proved the ground gets harder as you get older ) I think that group riding would need to be very organised to be fun. I rode out recently for a fun ride with a mate. To remove the need for frustrations of pace we stayed together when we could or he stopped at the next turn off. That way it keeps you flowing when you get past that car in front with a clear shot at the bends. I have seen other posts where the second rider from a large group will stop at a turn off and then rejoin at the back. May be worth another try with a smaller group.
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Post by Buzzin (^_^) on Sept 2, 2009 10:34:26 GMT 1
Riding in larger groups is something most bikers don't seem to like. The solution is simple, keep the groups small enough. Divide the entire large group in to small groups of 4 to 6 people (smaller if you want). Do this to suit the speed each person want to go (and CAN go). Make the same stops at lunch/coffee breaks etc and you still go out with a large group, with none of the down sides. This how the groups I go with always work (well...should do anyway) and I love it. Last time I led a group that became to big (10 people) with very different riders (some fast, some slow) and it's a nightmare. I swore then I wouldn't do it again, and thankfully most agreed. 4 to 6 people and you are fine, more means waiting/catching up.... The best ride I had was 2 people, both not in their element (me on my strom and a Hayabusa rider) just struggling our way home Great way to drive, have a look around and find out you're only 2 minutes behind the 'faster' group ow, and those BIG ride-outs need to remember 1 thing: slow is better. The front man HAS to drive well under the speed limit all the time, and very smoothly. And even then, at the rear you have to play catchup all the time.
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