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CJXB
| | Posted on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 10:58 pm: | 
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I have invited Fiery to ride with us more than once, but fiery and I both like men, sorry guys !!  |
Vegasbueller
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 12:05 am: |
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Dyna:
That is the very reason we didn't all just fall in with the local HOG guys. It took me all of a minute while reading their newsletter and listening to all the griping and complaining to decide that we wanted no part of that. |
Buells Rule!
(Dyna in disguise)
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 12:20 am: |
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Sad thing is that there are some great folks in my local HOG chapter, but they have just been swallowed up by the political machine of having a 400+ member club.
No spontaneity at all, all rides are pre planned, then pre-ridden..sometimes twice. Yuk.
And heaven forbid if someone suggests a deviation in the schedule. |
Vegasbueller
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 01:41 am: |
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That was one of the big blow ups here: "If you don't want to follow the group on the ride, then stay at home" and "No diverting from the planned route"
I am glad to hear, however that BRAG doesn't have issues with us doing our own thing. |
Bomber
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 08:52 am: |
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not trying to argue, just making sure ytou got all the data -- BRAG's rules about rides, membership and the like are darned near identical to those of HOG -- no non-members on a chapter sponsored ride unless they fill out insurance waivers and that kinda thing --
my understanding is that, if non-members are along, and no insurance paperwork was signend, it ain't a chpater ride (not that this should make any difference to ya!) -- the concern over liability issues is very real, and likely increasing (can't blame any company for feeling that way these days, but, Like Greg sez, it sure can take the fun out of a ride)
no diverting from the planned route may not be a bad thing for a large group of riders -- I'd hate to be road captain, come to a gas stop, and find that a couple of riders are missing (sinking feelin in the belly, are they alright?) -- with a smaller group, communication and decicsion making are much easier -- decision making can consist of "I know a great route around here, so I'll just pop to the front and lead for a while!" my knda ride, definately, but it works best if the group is small, know each other, and have a high degree of respect for each other |
Vegasbueller
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 09:13 am: |
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Hey Bomber, I understand what you mean as far as liability and that goes. I follow you on the idea of keeping up with the flock on a big ride as well. What I as describing seemed to be a little more on the "personal" level. Like someone standing on a stage and yelling "look at me" then getting pizzed but no one could give a care less.
Funny thing about the liabilty issue is that way before we ever got involved with the whole idea of BRAG we came up with a release form just for the big group rides. In todays world of automatic law suits it just seemed the smart thing to do.
Thanks!!
Nick |
CJXB
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 09:23 am: |
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Bomber is correct and we do have an easy waiver form to sign for our club rides, but being a small group it really is looser !! Our clubs have had loosely planned routes, deviations and what not etc. It's just easier in such smaller groups.
And when we get together it's a small enough group we can all easily communicate what we want to do, change our minds, routes etc so while we may end up having a non chapter ride in reality, we still ride and have lots of fun !!
And it's great knowing every single person on your rides, I like small !!!
group rides you perverts !! LOL
CJ 
(Message edited by cj_xb on November 19, 2004) |
Bomber
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 09:41 am: |
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me,I've reached a conclusion (cheering inserted here) -- the next time I'm involved with a group of riders (more than say, oh, six), I'm gonna strongly suggest we split up into groups of three or four -- easy to do what the general route is known, and much more fun for everyone, I believe
another tactic is to settle on a destination, discuss a couple of alternate routes, and boogey (not particularly useful if there are lots of folks that don't know the area)
I've found most riders respond well to pre-ride talks about responsibility, respecet for others, and general care for fellow riders -- the few that don't, I have (over the objections of the hippy in the back of my head) asked to not participate
also, I deal with enough paperwork at work -- I try to avoid that in myu personal life
when I've led larger groups, I've spent most of the time counting noses (headlights), wondering where so and so went, looking over my shoulder, and trying valiantly to set a pace that would be at least mildly entertaining for the more skilled riders in the group, while, at the same time, not scaring the bejeezus out of the less experienced folks -- it's a nerve wracking job (as I've heard a number of folks say) many group rides are led by very experiencced riders, who can sometimes set a pace that is not approrpirate for all the riders in the group -- I've watched enough get-offs in my rear view mirror, thanks
I have tended to lessen my participation in larger group rides over the last few years -- the ease of decision making, the lack of worrying, and the general level of fun with 2 or 3 other riders that you know well is much more drawing to me
sorry for preaching -- been a bad couple of years for friends (both corporeal and virtaul) throwing their scoot away, almost always as part of a larger group -- thanks for letting me get that off my chest!
-30- |
Daves
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 09:57 am: |
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Having people leave the ride without letting the leader know really pisses me off!
I have spent a great amount of time backtracking to find riders that I thought had had a mishap or breakdown(because they weren't with the group anymore) to find out they just decided to take a left turn when the rest of us went to the right.
This is VERY inconsiderate to the rest of the people in the group. If you don't want to stay with the group that's ok and fine with me but at least let the leader know.
It helps to have a taildragger as they will see the other riders leave the route.
I am all for keeping the rides open to all riders and not having a "set in stone" route most of the time.
Here's our clubs "rules of the road"
They cover most instances and I can make up others as we go along to fit the situation.
The Next Corner Club
Rules of the Road
1. Helmet is REQUIRED no exceptions(full face is preferred)
2. Current motorcycle lic and plates
3. Current proof on insurance
4. Tires in good condition
5. Bike in good running order
6. NO PASSING RIDE LEADER!
7. No passing in corners
8. Ride at your own pace, not over your head
9. The ride is NOT a race!
10. Do not leave the group for any reason without informing the ride leader.
11. The ride is not a stunt show.
12. Show up for the ride with a FULL tank of gas.
13. Rides will leave on time.
14. All guests must sign a waiver before leaving on the ride.
15. Failure to abide by the rules set by ride leader or B.R.A.G. club officers will result in you being asked to leave the group.
16. This one should be a no-brainer but NO DRINKING ALCOHOL before or during our rides! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!
Our goal is to have rides that are fun and challenging for everyone!
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. |
Kandie
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 10:04 am: |
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Dave, #11 must not apply when it's just us? |
Fiery_xb
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 10:12 am: |
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I have invited Fiery to ride with us more than once, but fiery and I both like men, sorry guys !!
CJ, I've never considered myself as your date. Paaaalease LOL |
Daves
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 10:16 am: |
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Rule number 11 doesn't apply to the occasional wheelie |
CJXB
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 11:05 am: |
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That's guys for ya fiery !! 
I like Daves rules, have ridden in his group before at Prairie DuChien and it worked out great, ride was fun but someone was behind us slower ones so we never got lost !!
CJ : ) |
Tramp
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 12:09 pm: |
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man- you all could learn a thing or three from 1%er clubs. (you know-the clubs that most HOGs fantasize about being in, when they {HOGs} 'rollll down the hiway' with their scowls, officially licensed conchos and cigars) real clubs don't 'lose' members on runs.
ever.
period.
that's one of the many reasons prospects and hang-arounds ride at the rear of the column- it's ON THEM to assure the leader knows if someone has a problem. man at rear flashes guy in front, who flashes guy ahead and so on. it works fine. if something major occurs toward rear of colmun, rearward riders (eg: prospects and hangarounds) are responsible for pulling up to a member and letting him know. (sorry, cj, no females in 1%er clubs, since the devil dolls mc disbanded after finding out dyna was prospecting in drag)
the idea is, if someone wants to join, they have to demonstrate responsibility, so the leader doesn't have to 'look back'. that concept of a ride leader looking back is outrageous. the rear guy alerts the road capt. of any issues. keeping a quasimiltary order to things should ensure no man is left in the field, so to speak. if that happens, teeth will be lost.
a couple years back riding north from 'scores'  in manhattan, my S2 rat's license plate bracket and taillight came undone
(gotta LOVE those potholes on the major deegan)and shorted out while dangling against my rear wheel. in mere moments, the VP ,who was leading the column had relayed info that we'd pull over at the next rst stop, and that a prospect was to ride my •••• 'til then so as not to attract attention to my situation. at the rest area, the vp instructed two prospects to follow me home so as to avoid any V&T issues. half-hour later we were chillin on my porch watching the sunrise, having some fresh java my girlfriend brewed.
that's how club rides should be handled.
(Message edited by tramp on November 19, 2004) |
CJXB
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 12:21 pm: |
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man at rear flashes guy in front, who flashes guy ahead and so on. it works fine.
Try doing that on one of our Club rides, Bahahahahah !!! Won't work !!
For the Brag groups I've ridden with some are ahead, some further behind, but they never leave the next turn/stop etc. until all have arrived. If they don't arrive, leaders will go back !!
That is why Daves and Bomber say that about being a leader !! It really is a responsibility, one I never want and appreciate those that do lead !!
keeping a quasimiltary order to things should ensure no man is left in the field, so to speak. if that happens, teeth will be lost.
Guess 3%'s, Hog riders and 1%'s are all different, personally I have no desire to ride with the type of group above, no thanks !! Probably why there are no women, sounds like no fun either, not my kind of fun at least !!
Buell/Brag suits me fine !!
CJ |
Bomber
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 12:49 pm: |
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Tramp -- you're right, of course, no wounded left behind
swhy I'm stickin to smaller groups most of the time ;-} |
Tramp
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 01:51 pm: |
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yeh- outside of one major club, i only ride alone.
these factory-run instant membership 'clubs' are too ...um... contrived
(Message edited by tramp on November 19, 2004) |
Outrider
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 04:19 pm: |
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Concerning riding in larger groups, you may want to check with your State's Highway Patrol and the Law Enforcement Agencies working the areas you plan to ride through.
There are laws that you may be violating if your ride is not registered as a parade or other similar thing. Additionally, there are laws governing how long your group can be before you have to break it up into smaller groups. Lastly, the use of road guards to stop traffic in order to allow your group to proceed through an intersection is against the law in many circumstances.
Not trying to be a Nay Sayer...Just don't want to see the long arm of the law ruin your day much less have your ride ruined by some self appointed sheriff develop a case of road rage.
Remember, laws not only vary from State to State but even City to City within a given State. |
Buells Rule!
(Dyna in disguise)
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 04:33 pm: |
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Have only had 1 instance where a cop gave us a hard time. Log Cabin toy run in Burlington & we had 700+ bikes. State Patrol had been notified since we were hittong several different counties & we had their blessing to do our usual blocking of intersections.
However some local yokel cop in the Lake Tichigan area stopped 4 of us after we performed our duty & started going off about how he was going to arrest us for impersonating an officer, unlawful stops, etc. We had him radio the state patrol & they told him to back off...which he did.
Other than that, have never had any problems at all. |
Tramp
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 05:03 pm: |
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i think i heard a funy story involving you and johnny law, d- different story/run , high speeds, lawman stopping you only to tell you he was you guys' escort and what can he do to help...cool tale |
Gomo
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 07:08 pm: |
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Decided to throw in some more input.
Basic Rules - For both Large & Small Groups
We do have a list with these items & more that is sent to all new members as well as with membership renewals
1-Safety is Top Priority!
2-Ride at your own pace - we are not judging your skills or competing for pole postion.
3-Pre-Ride Mtg which includes:
a-Route, Destination, Stops (Fuel,Food,etc)
b-Ask if there are any new members and/or 1st time group riders.
c-Explain Ride Rules (No passing leader, no stunts, no unsafe riding, etc - Everyone has enough time to do this that they shouldn't have to do it during the Clubs monthly [bi-monthly or what ever the schedule is] ride.)
d-This is a not a race (or stunt show)
e- Ride does not depart until designated sweeprider signals lead that group is ready.
f-Review any signals used.
4-Ride in staggered position -2 second spacing(explain to those who do not understand/know)
a-Even though most of our rides are on backroads and we ride in a single file fashion, just keep the stagger in mind for safety(escape route,etc)
5-Have plan for mechanical failures while riding(how to pull over to assist, call for help,etc)
6-If you leave group early inform ride leader, as well as the other members to avoid any confusion (especially if you break off during the ride)
a-If planning on breaking off from ride, ride in rear of the group.
7-If ride has mixed levels of experienced riders, ask members that you can trust to place themselves with in the group to ensure ride goes smoothly. (this is a judgement call on who is capable of doing this task - also don't ask the same folks all the time)
a-In this case perhaps have the slowerriders stay towards the rear (providing you do have someone willing to hang with them)
8-Obey all Traffic Laws (At least say it for the record)
Along with the other suggestions (show up with gas, no alcohol,etc)these may seem like a lot of rules, but if everyone understands how you do your rides - there should be less reasons for mishaps and/or confusion. If your rides go well and are fun (and safe) - people will want to do them.
There are always other factors that need attention (city driving, getting lost[u-turns], etc) that should be address when they arise. In most cases it takes a group that rides together a couple of rides to get the feel how the ride goes and how everyone reacts (or acts).
Finally - reccomend rider courses to your group. Whether they be MSF, RidersEdge, or track instructed; the better they ride - the better the group rides which equals = Better Rides
GOMO
Hudson Valley Riders Club - Director
MANYS/MSF - RiderCoach
2003 Ameicade King
Woodstock HOG - Past Director
AMA
New Club Webpage - http://mysite.verizon.net/res94lu0/hudsonvalleyridersclub/index.html} |
Buells Rule!
(Dyna in disguise)
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 10:24 am: |
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i think i heard a funy story involving you and johnny law, d- different story/run , high speeds, lawman stopping you only to tell you he was you guys' escort and what can he do to help...cool tale
Ya that was on our way out to East Troy. Scooter was on his XB, me on my HD, couple others with also. We hit 43 & starting blasting, got a little closer & Scooter cranks it up to about 120 when all of a sudden his map pocket on his tank bag explodes & maps come flying out & are opening up at 120mph. Im behind him doing 110 just about maxed out on the shaking HD & all I see is these huge frickin maps headed at me .
Anyways the next exit is ours & we pull off & head into the gas station/Mcdonalds while we wait for the 80+ parade of bikes from Hals. All of a sudden a cop appears & pulls right up to us, Scooter is trying to hide behind his bike because he is sure the cop is going to be hauling our @sses to jail for reckless riding.
Instead it turns out that it was just the cop I had called earlier asking for an escort thru town for all the bikes. Big ole sigh of relief. |
Tramp
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 10:39 am: |
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gots ta love 'at |
Gomo
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 05:32 pm: |
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There ok to see - as long as they're not in the rearview coming for you! |
Coolice
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 05:44 pm: |
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anyone ever use two way radios? It sure would make rides safer, leader or 2nd rider has one and tail(sweep) rider has one. At least some communication is possible. Cell phone? |
Tramp
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 05:48 pm: |
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gomo, what th' hell is that zany-arse 'steal your face' logo about?
(Message edited by tramp on November 20, 2004) |
Fiery_xb
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 05:48 pm: |
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Hi Coolice! |
Gomo
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 08:12 pm: |
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"what th' hell is that zany-arse 'steal your face' logo about?"
A little Buell, little Lightning, little Dead = A lotta Alive! |
Vegasbueller
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 02:35 am: |
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Guys.. I really appreciate all the helpful info! I never had any idea that starting and running a club was so much work. I am guessing that it will all start to flow along without much help once we get past the infant stages.
Nick |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 07:56 am: |
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just do it the smart way- steer clear of HOG and BRAG and start something independent with a nice 1-piece patch, if any patch at all. contact the AMA if you'd like to take advantage of their programs. Being HOG or BRAG mandates that a dealership AND the mother ship will dictate your regs.
...unless, of course, you want to be associated with an organization that awards instant membership based solely on the purchase of it's handlers' brand |
Vegasbueller
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 07:34 pm: |
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Speaking of that, here is one of about 20 ideas for our logo/patch:
And, we are (on one side) going with BRAG because of the dealership advantages such as event sponsorships, and discounts, etc.
On the other hand, we do act independantly hosting rides that will be non Brag/Buell related as we participate with quite a few other clubs in town. And, I have never really looked into the AMA. Good idea.
Thanks!
Nick |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 10:35 pm: |
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cool- rereading my last post, it came off ignorantly anti-brag. didn't mean it so negatively at all, just thinking of some freedom |
Vegasbueller
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 10:40 pm: |
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Thats cool Tramp. I knew what you were getting at. |
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