well I've rode solo, with 2-3 friends and on a large HOG group....to my personal taste either solo or with 2-3 friends are acceptable...as I know their skills and riding habits.

my last experience with large groups was absolutely terrifing as there were a bunch of newbies that put all the group at risk and not respecting the rules of the road.

 

common sense... there are times for each.

 

3, that the biggest group I've ever ridden with and ever want to ride with.

 

The Group Riding Rules we follow would have you in or near the front:

1. Road Captain UP FRONT Gives commands -warnings - sets course and schedule
2. Novice Riders to the front.
3. Staggered Riding Pattern unless Road Captain signals (1) line.
4. More experienced riders and/or other Road Captains to pull up rear.

On a large organized ride you will have marshals,(Blockers), holding traffic at intersections. On any other ride. Use caution. Do not simply follow the bike in front of you. Every ride should have a printed ride schedule and you can simply catch up or follow others in the group. Safety First.

I have been on and in different group rides. ALL have taken alot of concentration. (Riders, Road, Traffic). All groups have been different. (Speed -Communications-Safety).

I prefer to ride solo or with just a few known riders, 4 to 6 and join up at a destination or meeting place with the others.

 

Too much testosterone in group anything and I'm not interested in dealing with some structured stack of riders. Some folks are more sociable than others though, so I guess it's like when women have to go **** together... (KIDDING!).

Enjoy however you like to ride.

 

Most I will ride with a close group of friends three couples.
Got talked into a group ride a few yrs back, finally just pulled over let the group go by and did a 180 degree turn.

 

Long runs are always solo for me.