Group Rides at National. How does this work?

[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