SS1000 alone or with friends?

[Bandito]

I am getting pretty pumped about doing the ss1000 in january or febuary but cant decide if I want to go alone or have a few of my buddies ride with me. Really worried if there are to many bikes that we might get slowed down and not accomplish the goal!!!! Any thoughts?

[Justin]

An ss1000 leaves plenty of time to take it easy. The longest one I have ever done took 19 hours, and the fastest 15-16. So even in a group it is easy to complete. The only thing is to make sure you plan ahead with your friends and make sure everyone is on the same page as far as expectations, and make plans for any issues that arise on the ride.

Where are you btw and where will the route be?

[Bandito]

I am in Kansas City and we will be going I 70 to Indianapolis then I65 to Chicago then I 80 to Des Moines then 35 back to KC.

[Cablebandit]

I'd say go it alone.  That way you can stick to your own schedule.  You have plenty of time on a SS1000 so it's a little more relaxed, but I wouldn't want to be worried about other people's bladder, gas, and ass range.  

[Jason F.]

I did two a few weeks apart. One with friends and one solo. My pace was much quicker solo but the ride with friends was a bit more fun. I did get a bit annoyed at a few stops where people took a little too long but for the most part it was nice to have some folks to chat with at stops.

I will say on my solo trip I used I-70 East into Indianapolis and it was miserable. Poor road conditions, completely ugly and dull scenery, tons of construction delays, heavier traffic, and just generally boring straight riding. I will avoid that stretch of road like the plague from now on much like I-40 between Memphis and Nashville.

[motomem]

My vote goes to alone. It's fun riding with friends but I might need to slow down and feel I was holding the friends up. Or tend to get frustrated if I was ready to move and they weren't. Maybe a planned meeting point with an understanding if we get separated to meet there.

I-40 between Memphis and Nashville - Nasty piece of road. I-40 between Memphis and Little Rock - even nastier. On those roads all you can do is run faster than the traffic and feel like your in a game of Frogger.

[David Morrow]

Alone. With any more than a solo ride, you will always take as long as the slowest rider and the last one away from the gas pump. It won't always be the same person but that's what will happen. Every time someone's Visa card reader doesn't work or has to take a dump, you'll be waiting. If you do go with a group, make it a rule that you hit the road when the second to last rider is ready. That way, nobody wants to be last and will step on it. As previously mentioned, be sure that everyone is on the same page as to time expectations and discuss methods to speed up the stops.

[mnxs54]

I did a SS1000 in 2010 and a BBG in 2011. I'd recommend you do it alone. Especially your first one.

[Huron52]

I would only go with someone if you knew  they would keep the same pace as you.  Otherwise go alone.

[Hotbrakes]

I say post a CL ad or similar invitation to join you for a scenic Saturday ride.  Then see who sticks it out and who can't make it home.  

[Cablebandit]

Around here as soon as you leave the county people bail on the ride.    

[slvrsprint]

I would go alone or with one or two others who ride my pace.  If you go with others, make it known that if seperated, each is on his own - then go as if solo.

[CLAY]

I would only go with someone if you knew  they would keep the same pace as you.  Otherwise go alone.

This.  I have done a few, all with other riders (well, I finished one on my own), and the guys I ride with all ride like me- plus we have the understanding that if one person wants to quit or has bike troubles, the rest can go on.  It has worked well (I have done most of them with two other guys, the one I finished alone was with with one other guy).  The same mindset and riding style is a must if you ride with someone else.