| Author | Message | ||
     Dynarider |
There should be a trailer, someone to follow as the absolute last bike and ensure that all riders are accounted for. We wouldn't want to leave anyone behind. On my HOG chapter rides we always have a road captain lead the ride & 1-2 also play catch up in the rear. In case any bikes break down, get stuck at traffic lights, just riders going a slightly slower pace, etc. Its our job to make sure everyone gets where they are going. If someone wants to see an organized ride, asl Nevco about the Hals Kettle moraine HOG chapter. They have road captains staggered throughout the ride & they are all wired up with intercoms. Everyone knows what everyone else is doing. If someone starts getting a little wild or goofy, there is someone to settle them down immediately. Its a huge chapter with over 1000 members & I dont ever recall them having any serious accidents on any rides. | ||
| Jim_witt |
Well, Murrae and I were talking about that, and I've noticed some others mention it here. For us, the argument was between "Self-guided" rides such as Torque Fest and "Guided" rides such as Murrae and I were on in Taos in August. CJ, Just for the record, I'm not being agrumentive, just sharing my perspective of the group rides I've been on. BTW, I attened the first 2 Taos events that Chick's sponsored. -JW:>  | ||
| Nevco1 |
Only thing Dyna forgot to mention is that the Road Captains conduct special rides, on an as needed basis, for new members to teach them how to ride in a group. Note: I said new members not new riders. They don't care how much experience you have. They want you to know how to ride safely in a group situation. Additionally, it is not uncommon for participants to report unsafe riders to the road captains at the stops. Things are handled privately so that no one is embarrassed and all continue on to have a good time. My riding philosophy is that when sport riding I would rather be alone or with a select few that I know and trust. In Wisconsin, Bomber, Lake Bueller, Dyna and Grdskpr are good examples of people that I know and trust their skills and judgment on the road. If you ever find me in a larger group it will be only because it is a very special occasion and there is no alternative. Concerning recent events, I posted my contribution earlier today and I firmly contend that only good can result from these tragic events. | ||
| M1combat |
That's an excellent idea Dyna, thanks for bringing it up. Communication between the trailer truck, the leader and possibly in between depending on the size of the groups is fairly inexpensive and would be very effective. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Court, I dropped you a line for a holder. Also, where did you get them? Thanks Craig  | ||
| Court |
Craig: Thees come from Mine Safety, but they'd be easy to duplicate. Just fired Ferris' in the mail amnd I am going to go next door and reload my supply. Court | ||
| Dynarider |
M1, not my idea at all. Lots of groups do such things. Just that some are more serious about it than others. I am a road captain with my chapter & even tho some folks may groan & think its kinda stupid, we actually serve a very good purpose. I almost alawys take the rear position on any type of group rides because it affords me the chance to observe everyone & I dont get caught up in the slinky type crap that al ways happens in the middle of a group. I have had to pull over a few times because of minor mechanical issues with some of the groups bikes, but we always get there eventually. So long as the last person in the group knows where you are headed & has communications with the leader, its all good. | ||
| Bomber |
Nevco -- thanks for the kind words . . . .I would include YOU in that group as well . . .. Dyna's read on road captains is dead nuts accurate, I think . .. . it also goes to the discussion of what size group you enjoy riding with . . .I'll hook up with a large group (anything more than 5) once or twice a year, and generally try to give my "everybody be careful outhtere" speech, which is well summeraized in the Protocols thread . . . .. . one powerful way to slow keep things rational is to draw everyone's attention to beginning/newer riders . . . not by name or face, but by their presence . . . .just saying that there are less experienced folks along, and split off to be bonzais is ya want tends to get everyone thinking a little more it's a shame to over-organize a nice run through the country, but it's a whole lot better than calling 911 | ||
| Ghostrider |
JW: I didn't think you were argumentative. I think that you are just expressing your own feelings on the subject and that's great. I tend to fall into the "guided rides" category and would have preferred something like that in Arizona. But, it is what it is. I suppose I'm just as able to find my own way as have it shown to me. In fact, that's exactly what happened. It would be nice to ride with some of you again, or for the first time. Everyone here seems to display a real heads up attitude toward riding. It's nice to see. | ||
| Nevco1 |
Bomber...My point exactly. Am not saying there are no other riders in the area worthy of riding with. Am simply saying that I don't know them as well as I do those listed and I would be quite cautious riding with them until I get to know their riding personalities and skills better. No one needs to be the best or worst, just consistently themselves so all can relax and enjoy at their own pace. | ||
| Seeeu911 |
I'm just sad, just sad, for the families and those who were there too. | ||
| Nevco1 |
Amen, Donn. Amen. | ||
| Daves |
I too feel bad for the families involved,the people that were there and witnessed this tragic turn of events. I also keep thinking of the people at BRAG. I know how I would feel if something like this happened on one of the rides I plan every year. Even though they are not going to be allowed to talk,write or express their feelings, I'm sure it has been a very hard week for them as well. It was not their fault. We all ride and accept the risk involved. So while we are all thinking of the people involved, don't forget to keep Peggy,Mary and all the other people at BRAG in your thoughts as well. Ride to the edge! Dave Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) | ||
| Bomber |
well put, Daves, and thanks for the reminder . . . .those folks deserve our thanks, and often don't receive it | ||
| Ferris |
yes, thank you to BRAG and the people who work so hard on our behalf, and PLEASE don't stop doing this stuff. FB | ||
| Court |
WOW...greatest single response to a free sticerk,key chain or shirt offer I have ever had was today's helmet Emergency Cards. All responses were mailed from New York City today. "Tune thy bike frequently, thy head daily." | ||
| Bigj |
Ferris is right. A properly organized ride takes a TON of work. The ride I organized for a couple of weeks ago, took about 5 days of riding and driving and about 1000 miles. The actual length of the ride? About 175 miles. Unless it's people that ride all the time together, I think any ride should have a group leader. BRAG probbaly thought they were limiting liability by having "self guided rides" and it may have, but there probably would have been less incidents on a guided ride. | ||
| Bikerguyx1 |
just for the record... the group that Jim was in on Friday was unofficially led by Kobie (on the Aprillia.) I have ridden with him several times and he always leads us at an exhilarating ride pace but it has never been too aggressive. This was the case on Friday. I just felt it was important that everyone understood that our "Road Captain" for the day did an outstanding job and unfortunately Jim chose to ride ahead of him. | ||
| Bikerguyx1 |
Speaking of Jim... his health update is as follows: He is in surgery as we speak and is having his left wrist repaired. While they have him in there the doctors are going to give him an epidural (sp-?) and will remove the ventilator. If he does well off of the vent over the next couple of days, it looks like he could be going home the beginning of next week. Thanks to everyone for their prayers. I have extended all of your well wishes to his wife. She is grateful for them. Chad | ||
| M1combat |
Somewhat off topic - I met a guy in Prescott on Sunday morning (Can't remember the name) on a black XB12R on whiskey row. He said he was the only 12R at the torque fest. He seemed a bit distant and standoffish, almost a jerk... Now I understand why and don't blame him. Does anyone know if he is a member of this board? | ||
| Darthane |
That's great to hear about Jim, Chad. Keep us posted. We're all rootin' for him. Bryan | ||
| Melster |
Hey everyone.....It's Mel..the new rider here from Showlow. Thanks to alot of you again for all your advice and as I have sat here and read all the postings over the weekend events that had happened, for a new rider, it made me realize to not only respect the bike but respect the road and to stay a good distance from other riders. Alot of you were great to me, giving me alot of adivce and telling me to go at my own pace. I had a good weekend minus the tragic events and met alot of wonderful people. This will be something I will never forget and it opened my eyes and it can happen to any of us no matter how much experience we have in riding. But thankyou to all who were at the torque fest in AZ this weekend, thanks for all the advice and the condfidence you have given me. It is greatly apperciated and I hope to see you all again on the next ride...maybe I'll be more skilled and my butt won't be so dang numb!! My prayers and thoughts are for those families who lost their loved ones. Mel | ||
| Csg_inc |
Ok got to clear some air here. Chad got it right about Fridays ride. As for Saturdays ride the BRAG Gals had a safety meeting session during the riders meeting in the mourning. All was clearly expained....etc.... Now as for group leaders etc...yes that would have been great but we all sort of did break into groups with a leader and in my case a sweeper (me). But if you think this should have been more organized etc. well then let me set you straight THERE IS NO LOCAL BRAG CHAPTER IN ARIZONA. I have been saying this for two years. It is all smoke and mirrors. So the BRAG GALS did one heck of a great job with no local help to speak of and I just hope this is not the last one of these events. OK back to silent mode DAVE | ||
| Full_throttle |
I've been following this thread and just wanted to ask one question. The other guy that was involved in Daryl's accident, how is he doing? I know it effected everyone there (and even people that weren't) but I keep thinking of this guy (sorry I don't know his name, was it ever posted?). How is he doing mentally and physically? Anyone know? There are many roads around AZ that have claimed many lives, I recall seeing many of the white crosses mentioned in one post. The road to Prescott and on to Las Vegas has more than it's share. Blind curves and distracting views. My thoughts and prayers to all involved and their families. Ride safe and within yourself! --Chris | ||
| Iamike |
Speaking of thanking people for their efforts- Several years ago I did a dual-sport ride out of Steamboat Springs, CO. The organizers had been running this event for several years. It was obvious that they had put a lot of work into it so after I got home I sent them a thank you note. They wrote back and said that in all the years they had never received a thank you note before and really appreciated it. Sometimes its the small things that mean a lot to people. | ||
| Al_lighton |
Jim, Cool idea on the cross. Do you know the exact spot? I've got a few other pictures from there if you need them to locate it. I don't have the mileage or anything, but it is a pretty distinctive spot. Al | ||
| Murraebueller |
Jim- I would be honored to take you to the spot. Maybe "Daryl, 10/04/03" would suffice for the words. The design is excellent. Let me know. Murrae | ||
| Ferris |
JW, that's a very cool thing that you're doing. maybe "Daryl, Buell Rider, Friend of Life, 10/04/03" i hooked up with my buddy Dino this afternoon and pre-rode a section of OktoberFAST. it was a great ride (other than having my helmet and jacket stolen by a carload of punks while i was getting gas in Porterville, which entailed a high-speed mini-pursuit on the Thong -- me sans helmet, unfortunately -- to reclaim my property from the scum-suckin', low-life, grease-ball, lower than a snake's belly ass-wipes), and at our last stop before parting company me 'n Dino had a great idea. several people have asked me about chipping in a little money to help pay for food and beer this weekend, which is cool of them to do so, and very much appreciated. well, here's what we're gonna do: Denise and i will have a "tip" jar set out all three days, and every penny of donations that doesn't get spent on food and/or beer (and i'm betting there's gonna be a decent chunk of change left over) will be mailed to the fund that has been established on Daryl's behalf, and we'll sign the check something like "From Daryl's friends at OktoberFAST". i'm hoping this doesn't sound too corny, and i hope it's in good taste to even mention it here. the events at the Torque Fest have touched us all in one way or another, and this seems like it'd be a righteous way to pay our respects to a guy who was obviously just one of us. FB | ||
| Xb9rski |
Jim, that is an awesome ideal, if I can help in anyway let me know. I only met Daryl on friday night, but could tell he was a great guy, he will be missed by all who knew him. Al, Sparky, Murrae, Ken & Barbara, Viros, CJ and anyone else that I met this past weekend is was great meeting all of you and look forward to getting to know all of you better. My condolence to Daryl's Family S.I.F.O.I. | ||
| Warp2 |
Everything that happened last weekend will be forever etched in my mind. In the thousands of miles I've ridden and the countless group rides I have been on I've never experienced anything like that. Being just a few feet away from one of your buddies and watching the unthinkable happen to them is something I'll never forget. Thankfully for him, his family and friends he is still with us. It's a miracle that noone else was injured in that mess. I met Daryl for the first time on Friday. The guy was instantly likeable. Full of energy, witt and laughter. He was someone I was looking forward to getting to know better and riding with over the weekend. After Jim's wreck on Friday we went back to Phoenix on Saturday morning. I never got to see Daryl again. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. We owe it to each other and ourselves to find positives from these tragedies. Try to learn from the mistakes made. Whether that's improving our riding skills, practicing self control, voiceing your opinion, maybe learning some basic medical skills. I think we can all make a difference if we try. Thanks to everyone who helped on scene. You guys each did a great job and made a huge difference. I look forward to riding with you all again. Kobie Ward |
