I usually avoid the group rides also, way too many idiots. It's a shame because so many of the rides are for really good causes but it seems you always have the few that ruin it.
I like the reason for the ride, a great cause, no doubt. And the loud riders you mentioned were probably there just to show off. But......... I'm wondering if the orgainzers broke the 175 +/- riders into groups, of say 8-10, or was it a free-for-all. Free-for-alls with that many riders are just asking for trouble. Unfortunately. imo.
I've been on a lot of BIG group rides. I agree with you, a good "organized group ride is broken into groups. One ride I was on had over 800 riders for a Firefighter Memorial ride. Perfect ride with everyone broken into groups and rode without incident. I was on a ride with 50 this past weekend and it wasn't broken into groups and some of the guys were riding like we were on a race track. No incident on this ride either "thank god" but you could see a lot of people in cars were giving dirty looks and even pulling over to let the group pass. I can see where some of you have scratched the group riding events off your to do list!!
Maybe all the years of being a Medic with the department has made me soft?
RIDE SAFE!
Arrive Alive!! Sound corny I know but I love that statement!!