extrememarine
Well-known member
Warning – this is a “don’t be a jackass and crash” post. I speak from experience – Annette tells me I’m a jackass everyday…
As we close in on the Ramble weekend, many of us will be dusting off our rides for the first time this season. Many from points south will be well into their riding season. I fall into the first group – it’s just the nature of the beast with living in Michigan.
Whether it’s your first 500 miles of the year, or you’re clicking through 5000 for the season, this discussion is well worth the time spent – Let’s take a step back and think about things for a minute.
I think “The Pace” by Nick Ienatsch is a good place to start. Here’s a link to the full article on Motorcyclistonline.com: The Pace. We gather at these events to share a common passion for the rush of what two wheels on a twisty road does for us. Take a minute, read this article – or re-read it – and think about what it means to you.
This rush that the road brings happens at a different cadence for every single one of us. It can even vary day to day. I have good days, where everything clicks – the bike, tires, road, me – and its heaven. I have days where things aren’t necessarily off, just a tad ‘not on’. I’ve learned to recognized those days and accept them when they happen. It’s a day that I just enjoy other aspects of the ride – and I’m thankful to have it to enjoy. I ask each of you attending to do the same – enjoy every day. I know I do.
It’s been noted that the attendee list has grown this year. Maybe it’s due to the long winter, maybe it’s because there’s a curiosity growing about these flat, straight, and boring roads we keep talking about in southeast Ohio. Although there will be some attrition, we’re still looking at probably the largest gathering I can remember. Keep in mind that the Ramble brings minimal organization – there’s no t-shirts, no formal dinner, no swag, no ride group assignments. With the numbers showing now for attendance, we do need to discuss a few things that might help everyone have a more enjoyable time.
In the past, WheatonFJR has done a truly spectacular job with organizing ride groups, trying to match up riders by pace and experience. That approach depends on each rider being very honest about where the stack up skill wise – it requires a serious ego check to work. Everyone needs to take a hard look in the mirror and assess what pace they are able to run.
Typically, there are three ride group paces – 2-up sight seers (my preferred group), moderate, and spirited. 2up & sightseers typically will run at or below the posted speed limit, limit passing on the double yellow. The moderate group pace will typically stay close to the posted speeds on the straights while running through corners smoothly at or above the posted corner speeds. The “spirited” group typically arrives at rest stop shouting “Ya-effing-hoo” along with the distinct smell of heated sintered brakes filling the air. As a general rule of thumb, pick the group you think you fall into, and then drop one down.
And remember, just because someone is 2-up, don’t make the assumption that they will ride a “stop and smell the roses” pace.
No matter what group you think you fall into, the most important point is to ride your own ride. I’ve been in groups where I was in over my head and had to swallow the lump that says today is not the day. It happens – enjoy the day for what it is, and ride at the pace that allows you to do just that – enjoy the day.
The Pace, Ride your own Ride, and now let’s talk group spacing.
With so many riders attending, we do need to spend some time setting up each days ride; more importantly, some suggestions for the groups. We typically have two loops mapped out. An east loop and a west loop. The east loop uses the playground east and north of Marietta; think east of I-77, north of the river, and south of I-70. The west loop is west of I-77, south of I-70, north of the Ohio border, and east of Columbus.
We usually recommend a 10 minute launch interval for the groups in the morning – faster groups out first, slower out after. This ensures that the groups remain separated on the road, and we avoid having a 20 bike parade stuck behind a hay wagon. The suggestion is going to be that we have half the group run the east loop and half run the west loop on the same day, and flip the second day. Another strategy we can use is having the groups alternate running the loops clockwise vs counterclockwise. We’ll fine tune this once the routes are finalized – look for more discussion around Mid-April on this specific topic.
This gathering has typically been an incident free event; everyone rides there, and rides home. There have been a few ditch surfers here and there. My .02 cents on that is if someone decides to smell the roses before they stop, then that person is not left alone – whether they continue on or decide to return to the hotel. Someone stays with that rider the rest of the day. Often, we jump up after a surfing event and everything feels alright. That’s the adrenaline talking. Sit down, lie back, and let your system collect itself. It might take a few hours for those fractured ribs to start talking to you, but when they do, they do…
So, ride your own ride, enjoy the day, and let’s have a great freaking time!!
Wayne
As we close in on the Ramble weekend, many of us will be dusting off our rides for the first time this season. Many from points south will be well into their riding season. I fall into the first group – it’s just the nature of the beast with living in Michigan.
Whether it’s your first 500 miles of the year, or you’re clicking through 5000 for the season, this discussion is well worth the time spent – Let’s take a step back and think about things for a minute.
I think “The Pace” by Nick Ienatsch is a good place to start. Here’s a link to the full article on Motorcyclistonline.com: The Pace. We gather at these events to share a common passion for the rush of what two wheels on a twisty road does for us. Take a minute, read this article – or re-read it – and think about what it means to you.
This rush that the road brings happens at a different cadence for every single one of us. It can even vary day to day. I have good days, where everything clicks – the bike, tires, road, me – and its heaven. I have days where things aren’t necessarily off, just a tad ‘not on’. I’ve learned to recognized those days and accept them when they happen. It’s a day that I just enjoy other aspects of the ride – and I’m thankful to have it to enjoy. I ask each of you attending to do the same – enjoy every day. I know I do.
It’s been noted that the attendee list has grown this year. Maybe it’s due to the long winter, maybe it’s because there’s a curiosity growing about these flat, straight, and boring roads we keep talking about in southeast Ohio. Although there will be some attrition, we’re still looking at probably the largest gathering I can remember. Keep in mind that the Ramble brings minimal organization – there’s no t-shirts, no formal dinner, no swag, no ride group assignments. With the numbers showing now for attendance, we do need to discuss a few things that might help everyone have a more enjoyable time.
In the past, WheatonFJR has done a truly spectacular job with organizing ride groups, trying to match up riders by pace and experience. That approach depends on each rider being very honest about where the stack up skill wise – it requires a serious ego check to work. Everyone needs to take a hard look in the mirror and assess what pace they are able to run.
Typically, there are three ride group paces – 2-up sight seers (my preferred group), moderate, and spirited. 2up & sightseers typically will run at or below the posted speed limit, limit passing on the double yellow. The moderate group pace will typically stay close to the posted speeds on the straights while running through corners smoothly at or above the posted corner speeds. The “spirited” group typically arrives at rest stop shouting “Ya-effing-hoo” along with the distinct smell of heated sintered brakes filling the air. As a general rule of thumb, pick the group you think you fall into, and then drop one down.
And remember, just because someone is 2-up, don’t make the assumption that they will ride a “stop and smell the roses” pace.
No matter what group you think you fall into, the most important point is to ride your own ride. I’ve been in groups where I was in over my head and had to swallow the lump that says today is not the day. It happens – enjoy the day for what it is, and ride at the pace that allows you to do just that – enjoy the day.
The Pace, Ride your own Ride, and now let’s talk group spacing.
With so many riders attending, we do need to spend some time setting up each days ride; more importantly, some suggestions for the groups. We typically have two loops mapped out. An east loop and a west loop. The east loop uses the playground east and north of Marietta; think east of I-77, north of the river, and south of I-70. The west loop is west of I-77, south of I-70, north of the Ohio border, and east of Columbus.
We usually recommend a 10 minute launch interval for the groups in the morning – faster groups out first, slower out after. This ensures that the groups remain separated on the road, and we avoid having a 20 bike parade stuck behind a hay wagon. The suggestion is going to be that we have half the group run the east loop and half run the west loop on the same day, and flip the second day. Another strategy we can use is having the groups alternate running the loops clockwise vs counterclockwise. We’ll fine tune this once the routes are finalized – look for more discussion around Mid-April on this specific topic.
This gathering has typically been an incident free event; everyone rides there, and rides home. There have been a few ditch surfers here and there. My .02 cents on that is if someone decides to smell the roses before they stop, then that person is not left alone – whether they continue on or decide to return to the hotel. Someone stays with that rider the rest of the day. Often, we jump up after a surfing event and everything feels alright. That’s the adrenaline talking. Sit down, lie back, and let your system collect itself. It might take a few hours for those fractured ribs to start talking to you, but when they do, they do…
So, ride your own ride, enjoy the day, and let’s have a great freaking time!!
Wayne
