Favorite Position

[CheesyRider]

I prefer last.  If the riders in front of me are too fast in the curves, I can catch up in the straightaways.   If they're too slow I slow down in the straightaways and enjoy the curves while I catch up.  

If I'm riding with people I don't know, like at a test ride event, I especially like to be last.  I've had people I don't know pass me in my lane or try to ride side by side with me before.

[bubba zanetti]

Last as well. I can set my own pace by hanging back and catching up. I have never been comfortable with folks in my mirrors for some reason. I find it distracting.

[Kneescrubber]

Although I've done a lot of SMRs and a few long trips with larger groups, I prefer to ride in groups of no more than 3. In fact, 2 or solo is my ideal preference. But if I have to ride in a larger group I prefer sweeper. That way all my attention is up front, where it should be.

[Mike-H]

Preference is last so you don't have to guess as to what others are going to do.....this then gives you insight as to how others (in front of you) ride (& if their style fits your own).....otherwise alone.....(fuel & bathroom breaks are much faster that way lol)

[garry]

I'm usually leading group rides (when I'm on them) because I laid out the route and organized the ride. But when on someone else's group ride , I prefer to be last so that I can keep an eye on things (especially if there are people I haven't ridden with on the ride). That said, I enjoy riding alone, especially on pretty days when there are lots of photo ops.

[kyzrex]

This poll isn't about what I thought it was from the title.......

[Kneescrubber]

This poll isn't about what I thought it was from the title.......

Agreed. Hence my rear entry.      Butt if we're going there, I'm numero uno. No sloppy second's for me.  

[Justin]

Depends on the group - although I usually prefer to ride alone. But with groups that I have ridden with that are good riders, we know what order we should be in.

[MrMoto]

Last. On a ride last year with a group of mostly strangers, the guy behind me started sharing my lane as we made a left turn. Surprised the hell out of me. Never again.

[02Tac]

Same here.

I'm usually leading group rides (when I'm on them) because I laid out the route and organized the ride. But when on someone else's group ride , I prefer to be last so that I can keep an eye on things (especially if there are people I haven't ridden with on the ride). That said, I enjoy riding alone, especially on pretty days when there are lots of photo ops.

[R Doug]

I generally ride solo.  But, when it comes to group rides I live by the mantra of "Lead, follow, or get out of the way."    

[st2sam]

Chezzy, you forgot second.
I always ride second because when the ride is ending I always make a last minute pass and win the race!

[X1Glider]

Rare occasion for me to ride with more than 1 person.  Prefer solo rides wether local or LD.  It's easier and more effective to unclutter my mind of all the crap inside if I don't have to worry about anyone else and their needs.

[Oddball]

There is no choice for me with this poll because it all depends on who I am riding with, where I am at, mood of the moment, gut feel, and many other factors.  

There are friends which I always lead and after a few days (hours even) I need to head off on my own.  Then the get pissed.  To which I always say I have to ride my own ride.

Then there are others that are just a pleasure to follow.  I also have no problem changing my position in any group.

Few years ago I discovered I really like riding with someone for a while, then heading off on my own and finally meeting back up in the evening.

[Chuck 500]

I generaly ride alone.  No pressure to get in over my head and no worries about the skills of the person near me.

[Roadhound]

I rarely ever ride with more than one other rider. I almost always ride lead. IMO all roads look better when there are no vehicles in front of me.

[ConPilot1]

There is no voting option for "doggie".  

[Rincewind]

I like second.  If I'm first, then I am worrying about if I am on the right route, if I have my whole group behind me, and if people need to make a stop or whatever.  If I'm last, then I can get frustrated if the people ahead are walking their bikes through the corners, and also I have to help maintain the group.  

When I'm second, then I don't have to worry about the group very much except for making enough space.  I can just enjoy the pace and enjoy the ride as long as the other riders are all competent.  

[bomber]

Most any position ins a group has it's charms . . . .running point, of course, carries some responsibility with it, but you only have to be concerned about folks behind you . . . . and the view is always changing ;-}

Riding slack (number two) has almost as much responsibility as point, but with the added concern of keeping an eye on the rider ahead of you  . . . .

Riding Drag (last in the group) means you don't have to navigate at all, and, if the group is skilled, watching the ballet as rider after rider banks into a curve one after another, well, it's fun to watch.

Any more, though, I think the ideal group size is something like 3 to 5, all of whom I know pretty well (in terms of riding, at least) . . . . .

[bluepoof]

Another vote for sweeper here! I have no sense of direction and I'm dirt slow, so it stresses me out to no end to have people behind me.  It's taken me almost 13 years of riding with Peter to be even almost OK with leading just him; forget a big group ride.  Ugh.