"Then one of the guys was complaining about keeping a strict stagger, etc.......It kinda bugged me."

That would bug me too.

Usually ride with the same small group and everyone knows how everyone else rides so all is well.

Couple years ago i went on an all day ride with some guys I know and some I didn't. Two of the guys took it upon themselves to be the "6th grade class monitors" and came out with comments on the ride formation and a bunch of other BS.

Didn't sit too well with me and come of the others. Never rode with those two assclowns again.

Sammi

 

As much as it pains me to say, I agree with dickey. lol

 

+1

 

I don't do group rides. Guess I am an assclown. I don't care how great a rider you are, and how you understand your buddy's riding style. You can't defy the laws of physics, or nature (deer, possums, skunks, turkeys, skunks, dogs).

If something takes the rider in front of me out, I want 2 seconds to react, and brake or swerve. I cringe whenever I see a tight formation of pirates zoom by at 10 mph over the speed limit. Looks like a rolling ten pin arrangement waiting to be bowled over.

From slhanks4

 

If I'm unfamiliar with the group I'd rather ride near the back of the pack, that way I can get a feel for how they ride. At the start of the ride I'll leave more space than usual around me. More than a dozen bikes, I'll hang back 1/2 mile. Otherwise I don't care what position I'm in.

I would never go on a week long trip with people I've never ridden with.

 

I agree with dickey as well. Takes a lot of time and compromise to be a "happy" group rider. I prefer to paddle my own canoe if you know what I'm saying.

 

Funny you mention this situation, I went out yesterday with two of my best friends yesterday (known for 29 and 26 years) and two "Old Schoolers". We were supposed to ride with another group of 5 or 6 guys but they backed out because "it looked like it was going to rain", so I was glad they did. I only like riding with a close group of friends.

 

I luv riding with a pack....
to each there own....
My Brothers and I know each other and how we ride....
If a rode narrows we automaticaly stagger..
On a free way, side by side and tight, keeps cages from trying to break up the pack.
If you dont like pack riding fine, dont preach to me if I like it....

 

Group rides usually have a pecking order , ya get a bunch BAM's ( big alpha males ) posturing with a few BSD's ( big swinging dicks ) . Reason I avoid them , that and most times they are clueless about simple **** like courtesy and just having a good time . Everybody seems hell bent for leather to get somewhere as long it's a straight road , outride them in the twisty's and now your a dangerous ***** . I'll keep my own company thank you .

 

90% of the time is just me and wife riding. She follows and I lead. The other times we get together 3-4 close friends and it all depends on who knows where we are heading determines lead. Casual and fun, no rush we enjoy the ride.