Group Rides at National. How does this work?

[bassjones]

Never been to a National before - just started riding two summers ago...  Do you usually have separate groups of slow, intermediate, fast, led by people from the area, or is it more of a disorganized, find some people and go out together sort of thing?  If it's fairly organized, put me in the slow group - not Harley slow   but slow for sport bikes    Like I said, two years riding experience and I'm from Indiana, home of the straight and flat, so not used to heavy twisties.  I did ride Hocking Hills last fall, but I wrecked   which was not totally my fault, but I'm a little nervous about pushing it too much.  For the record, went into a tight right hand corner a little too hot for my skill level - but not overwhelmingly so - and hit a patch of oil with my front tire which caused the front to slide out a bit, may have panicked and grabbed the front brake but I don't think so.  I've drilled it into my head to not do that but it's possible.  

Anyway, I'd just as soon ride at a more moderate pace than what I know some of you are capable of.

[kendenton]

Definitely B) find some people and go riding.

[bassjones]

well, okay then, I'm looking for some slow people to ride with...  and/or a ride coach/mentor, which would be really cool.

[st2sam]

 Brad your riding a VFR so you get your own group, (there are four) slow - intermediate - fast -  VFR.       Sorry, but them thar the rulz at all STN Nationals...                                                                  

[chornbe]

Never been to a National before - just started riding two summers ago...  Do you usually have separate groups of slow, intermediate, fast, led by people from the area, or is it more of a disorganized, find some people and go out together sort of thing?  If it's fairly organized, put me in the slow group - not Harley slow   but slow for sport bikes  


Anyway, I'd just as soon ride at a more moderate pace than what I know some of you are capable of.

Everyone's got their own ideas about joining a group, leading a group and avoiding groups.

I generally prefer to ride with small groups when I'm not leading, and with people I've ridden with before. I'm not afraid to peel off and buzz on ahead or stop at my own schedule for pictures, etc. I don't expect (or want) anyone to baby sit me.

When I lead a ride anyone's free to come along, peel off when you want, buzz on ahead, stop at a different schedule than I pick out. I try to be a conscientious ride leader and keep the pack together, but if you're a dawdler (slower pace) or someone who's feeling held back (faster pace), I may just suggest you ride along at your own pace and we'll see you at the next meet. (Un)Fortunately, I practice "Ride your own ride" even when leading.

Just ask around, be honest about your pace, you're likely to find like-minded riders no matter where your pace falls in the scale.  

[antvq]

I thought group rides at STN were like playing Buck Buck.


On guys leans over and a bunch of other guys line up behind them............



 

[chornbe]

I thought group rides at STN were like playing Buck Buck.


On guys leans over and a bunch of other guys line up behind them............



 

no, that's the other kind of .uck .uck.  

[R Doug]

 Brad your riding a VFR so you get your own group, (there are four) slow - intermediate - fast -  VFR.       Sorry, but them thar the rulz at all STN Nationals...                                                                  

 

Yep, VFR folks have to ride, park, and eat together.  I'll have to double check, but I think there may even be a special hotel for VFR owners.  


I'll make the clover leaf routes I've come up with available for download (provided I can find a host) and, if needed, will make Google Map versions to post.  

With that said, I don't plan on riding in any groups.  Most likely I'll be out and about solo.  

[st2sam]

 

Yep, VFR folks have to ride, park, and eat together.  I'll have to double check, but I think there may even be a special hotel for VFR owners.  


I'll make the clover leaf routes I've come up with available for download (provided I can find a host) and, if needed, will make Google Map versions to post.  

With that said, I don't plan on riding in any groups.  Most likely I'll be out and about solo.  

Awesome, I'll be anxiously awaiting those routes.

[R Doug]

Awesome, I'll be anxiously awaiting those routes.

People are encouraged to post routes and places of interest on THIS thread.

[falconati]

Looks like I should be able to come.  I'd definitely want to tag along with others' routes, since I'll be a total amateur with the whole GPS game.  I ride 5 over posted-way_too_fast, depending on my mood.  So, I can probably hang in with most groups without getting upset.

[chornbe]

Looks like I should be able to come.  I'd definitely want to tag along with others' routes, since I'll be a total amateur with the whole GPS game.  I ride 5 over posted-way_too_fast, depending on my mood.  So, I can probably hang in with most groups without getting upset.

  And put me on the list for buying you a beer.

[falconati]

I don't drink, but I'll put down Diet Pepsi like a mo'fucker  

[bassjones]

wait, don't drink???  does not compute...  I thought beer drinking was required for STNers.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

wait, don't drink???  does not compute...  I thought beer drinking was required for STNers.

I hope not    I'll have to turn in my badge  

[bassjones]

well, okay then...  You guys can drive us home

[chornbe]

I don't drink, but I'll put down Diet Pepsi like a mo'fucker  

The first six-pack is on me.  

[Rude_Rydah]

I hope not    I'll have to turn in my badge  

Add me and Cookie to the pike of turned in badges.  Diet Sierra Mist for this guy.

[bassjones]

so we've got a few designated drivers on the board  

[chornbe]

so we've got a few designated drivers on the board  

We'll need them after THIS winter!  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

so we've got a few designated drivers on the board  

Yeah, and who wants to ride bitch with me?  

[Rude_Rydah]

Yup, but if your hands stray south while I'm driving you back to your room, we're gonna have problems!    

[chornbe]

Yeah, and who wants to ride bitch with me?  

OH HELL NO! I can just imagine the name changing after THAT ride!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

OH HELL NO! I can just imagine the name changing after THAT ride!

**giggle**

[Oilhed]

OK, not sure where to post this.  Was thinking of Monday night at Yokum's Princess Snowbird Campground then a ride thru WV on Tuesday.  Anyone interested?  If so maybe we can start a thread and get some ideas.  Looking forward to this one!

[chas]

I have an interest, but it is way too early to make a commitment.  I need to see if the Robins will return this year first.

[bomber]

Wait  . . . . . . . "Yokum's Princess Snowbird Campground"

Really?

Just seems, er, a bit left of center, is all.

[garry]

Wait  . . . . . . . "Yokum's Princess Snowbird Campground"

Really?

Just seems, er, a bit left of center, is all.

We usually preferred to stay at the Forest Service campground when climbing (and camping) at Seneca Rocks.

[Oilhed]

We usually preferred to stay at the Forest Service campground when climbing (and camping) at Seneca Rocks.

Havent been there but I'd give it a try.

[Mr.Black]

Add me and Cookie to the pike of turned in badges.  Diet Sierra Mist for this guy.

Diet Pepsi with Cherry or Diet Coke with Lime.

But Seltzer after 2.

As for the speed and riding types. I hooked up with the slowest group I could find at a Meet and Greet last Spring and we got there before some of the fast riders. Apparently if you go to fast you get lost.

It was great fun. I have a pic of a Honda (auto) riding my ass for miles.....

BUCK BUCK number one, COME ON!!!!!!!

[DuckWV]

Anyone planning anything along the lines of a dual sport ride?

[garry]

Anyone planning anything along the lines of a dual sport ride?

R Doug might be up for something since he will be on his KTM Adventure (I think).

[R Doug]

If the national were being held at Canaan Valley report, I would say yes.  Goodness knows the dual sport riding around that area is incredible!

I am not planning on any dual sport riding from Lewisburg because my plan is to explore some new-to-me WV and VA twisty roads for the two full days I'll be there.  

However, I could be convinced to do a dual sport ride one of the two days I'm there.  

[tigertom1965]

I don't drink, but I'll put down Diet Pepsi like a mo'fucker

Does not compute with me either.

Diet anything with Nutrasweet (Aspartame) is really bad for people since Aspartame has a formaldahyde chemical group attached to it.

I just heard drinking 2 soft drinks a week can cause Pancreatic cancer but beer is now good for you.  

So I need to start drinking beer again. Or I can start drinking flavored seltzer water.

But anything I drink can only be in glass bottles because plastic has substances in it that resemble female hormones.

Is anything safe anymore???

[bassjones]

Wait  . . . . . . . "Yokum's Princess Snowbird Campground"

Really?

Just seems, er, a bit left of center, is all.

curiosity got the best of me and http://wvweb.com/yokums/ doesn't look so left of center...

[DuckWV]

curiosity got the best of me and http://wvweb.com/yokums/ doesn't look so left of center...
[/quote]

I've camped there several times and it is ok.  The facilities aren't the best, and sometimes people party till late at night with the music blaring, but there is a nice view of Seneca Rocks.
The state campground just below there is nicer.

[Oilhed]

Wait  . . . . . . . "Yokum's Princess Snowbird Campground"

Really?

Just seems, er, a bit left of center, is all.

Is't it on the right side of the Map?

...sometimes people party till late at night with the music blaring

Exactly!

[SWriverstone]

To bassjones's original post...

A couple years ago when Nationals were at Canaan Valley Resort, I led a group ride. We had 8 or so bikes in our group and it was a good time.

More recently, at Eureka Springs, I felt sort of "adrift" the morning of ride day 'cause everything was SO "squishy and whatever" that people just kind of disappeared before I really knew what was going on and who was riding where. (I ended up just imposing myself on a group of Canadians including Scoop and others, which turned out to be fun.)

So...if other STNers are willing to step up and lead rides...I think it would be a good idea to set up several rides of different lengths and different levels in advance (here on the forum). Each ride would get its own thread that included the ride leader, length, pace, a route map, and max number of riders (as determined by whatever the ride leader is comfortable with).

This doesn't mean people couldn't still do their own thing...just that there would be some organized rides for people to join.

This has sort-of happened in the past, just less formally (where people would post a ride route in advance and say "I'm leaving at 8am---join me if you want") I'm just saying let's make it more official.

I'd be willing to coordinate all this. One plan I have for this year is to bring along a GIANT detailed map of the whole area within a 200-mile radius (or something like that) and post it in a conspicuous place at the Brier Inn for all to see. (I'm talking 4'x8'---something BIG.) I could also print up map/cue sheets for individual rides and make those available on a table or something.

Thumbs up?  
Thummbs down?  

Scott

PS - If too many people (for one group) wanted to do a certain route, then we just have separate groups along the same route.

[kendenton]

 

[chornbe]

Some of the best group rides I've ever been on were last minute, no-plan, "Hey, mind if I tag along" kind of things.

$.02/YMMV

[Oilhed]

Some of the best group rides I've ever been on were last minute, no-plan, "Hey, mind if I tag along" kind of things.

 

[kendenton]

As have mine, but I've also been left standing in the parking lot while everyone else pulls away  

[SWriverstone]

Like I said, the organized rides would be for...
- people new to STN and our meets
- people who don't know anyone or aren't already in a "cool clique"
- conservative, slower riders who might be reluctant to join a more experienced (faster) group
- people who like to plan ahead and choose their ride before arriving
(etc)

Otherwise folks can still do the random, whatever, go-with-the-flow thing too.  

So I'll pony up and say I'm willing to be an "official" ride leader (do I get a cool T-shirt for that?  ).
Anyone else?

Scott

[chornbe]

As have mine, but I've also been left standing in the parking lot while everyone else pulls away  

WE SAID WE'D BE BACK TO LOAD UP THE TRAILER!  

[st2sam]

Otherwise folks can still do the random, whatever, go-with-the-flow thing too.  



Scott

That's what I do.  
I usually decide who I'll ride with the night before when the booze is flowing.  
IMO - how fast, how far, departure time, return time, types of roads, number of stops is all related to what and how much you drink the night before.

[R Doug]

IMO - how fast, how far, departure time, return time, types of roads, number of stops is all related to what and how much you drink the night before.

BS.   You show me ONE person from STN who has ever kept up with you.  

[kendenton]

Got a mirror handy Doug?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

BS.   You show me ONE person from STN who has ever kept up with you.  

 I bet miles could, He's insanely fast (and good)

[R Doug]

That's right.  I've read ride reports from Miles and James before. The don't waste any time.  

I once rode with Sam at the Burger Run a few years ago.  I can attest to the fact that he takes triple digit sightseeing seriously.  I remember seeing speeds in excess of 100 MPH several times when following Sam and that was in central Pennsylvania.    He wasn't showing off, that's just the way he rides.  

Personally, I usually shy away from group rides.  Friends are great to have along, but I prefer going alone and hooking up w/ folks at the end of the day.

[maddjack]

Sam is the only person I know who flashes to pass...... F16's

[kendenton]

No bug stands a chance against the "Saminator"

[sprint_st]

Back to the OP, it depends on the group.  At MSTA events most everyone knows a group of riders and you see little groups run off in different directions and noobs either attach themselves, get adopted or quite often strike off on their own.  At STN events it seems the majority are not part of groups that have ridden together before.  That makes it very important to form up at the bar the night before the first day of real riding.  There are a LOT of folks who know WV and VA roads and can take point on an enjoyable ride.   The good news is that no matter what road you take from Lewisburg you will be heading into great riding.  Getting lost isn't always a bad thing, until the road turns to dirt.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Getting lost isn't always a bad thing, until the road turns to dirt.

and then if you have the right bike, it gets even better

[chornbe]

and then if you have the right bike, it gets even better

Agreed. To really enjoy the dirt, you need a Harley!

[R Doug]

Agreed. To really enjoy the dirt, you need a Harley!

   You call that dirt?  

 

[R Doug]

This is dirt.



even if my bike was stuck here and needed a push to get it going again.  

[Mr.Black]

Thats some pretty hefty dirt there fella.

[Corbeau]

To bassjones's original post...

A couple years ago when Nationals were at Canaan Valley Resort, I led a group ride. We had 8 or so bikes in our group and it was a good time.

I was one of those 8, enjoying what was called the "All you can eat buffet" -- serious mileage it was.

Scott, if you want to create a route of similar length and twistiness, I'm all for it. So a big