A few thoughts on riding partners

[Murph]

I read this on AdvRider and thought it was a great post about riding partners. I copied some portions below but the complete post is here. Thoughts? Comments? Experiences?

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"I'm really picky about who I'll do a trip of any length with. To me, traveling via motorcycle is an experience like no other, and is something I savor each and every time. Having the wrong traveling companions is something that can really put a damper on that enjoyment. It doesn't mean that the other riders are bad in any way, and some compromise is always in order, but overall comaptibility is really important to me. I've met some great people [...] and made some lasting friendships. Although I like some of the folks, I wouldn't want to do a trip with some of them. Last year a couple [...] asked me along on a trip. They came by my house and we met for the first time and talked about a trip. After they left my wife said right away "you aren't going on a trip with them, are you?". I told her that I probably wouldn't cross the road with them, let alone any state lines. Nice guys, I'd enjoy having a beer with them, or talking bikes, but wouldn't want to travel with them [...]

Everyone's criteria is going to be different, but [...] I think a traveling companion can help make a trip safer, or more dangerous. [...] Having the peace of mind of real confidence in someone is important to me. [...] I figure that when you're out riding, there are people all over the world working at jobs that they hate, or otherwise spending their time doing something a lot less fun than out riding. It annoys me when people get all negative over stupid little things when they're on a trip [...]

To just get somewhere, a point on a map, without enjoying the trip there is something I can't wrap my head around. [...] A journey isn't a destination, it's a process that should be enjoyed in it's entirety, at least to my way of thinking. Knowing that the other person isn't sweating the little stuff, or sticking to a strict timeline, really means a lot to me [...]

Finding someone that you not only really enjoy spending time with, and respect, is tough enough. Finding someone like that who rides is even harder."

 

[jnor]

Truer words were never spoken.........it's very hard to find someone to ride on a trip with, that has like interests, like riding style, like bikes etc. Also the more people that you add to the mix, the worse it gets. that being said I don't like to ride by myself,it isn't much fun either, but it's much better than riding with someone who you don't fit in well with.

 

[TriggerT]

Murph, I have met your riding partner (wife) :good: :chickawow:

You are lucky that she likes to ride, and be a passenger!

 

[cougar8000]

I stopped riding with so many people that I have lost count primarily because they have either endangered my life or life of others and had no second thought about it.

As jnor pointed out I love riding in the group, but have no problem riding solo and still manage to enjoy my rides.

I have found that lots of people will continue riding with those that upset their tranquility. I for one have no problem saying good buy and going my own way. my safety is more important to me then what someone will think of me.

All said and done I will be riding with you Murph to WI

 

[Rondo777]

You are so right about this. The wrong riding partner can really take the wind out of your sales. I started a post a couple of months ago, a friend was learning how to ride and I was trying to help him pick his first bike. I ended up barrowing another friends Suzuki Intruder 800 for him to ride. He has about 1000 miles on the bike now and is still nervous cornering, going down hill and driving HWY speeds. I'm not that agressive of a rider but 45mph on a freeway posted at 75mph just cant be safe. I'm starting to think that maybe riding isnt for him, he white nuckles the bike around every curve, I dont mean 15mph posted curves on twistie roads, where talking freeway, slow from 75mph to 65mph posted curves. I love the friendship but riding is just not enjoyable anymore.

 

[gregorytx]

I have found that as I get older I prefer to ride by myself. Seems everytime I ride with someone or a with a group it's an aggravating experience. Different styles, different attitudes, different likes/dislikes. I pretty much just prefer to be alone most times. That being said, I do have two friends that anytime they call I'll go with them. Similar interest, similar attitude. Group riding for me has went to the wayside. Too many knuckleheads, experienced or inexperienced, for me. Seems something always happens and it's pretty miraculous that I haven't seen some of those people seriously hurt or killed. I have some really good friends that I've known for many years that ride, but I wouldn't ride around the block with 'em. I always find a convenient excuse to avoid a trip when they call. When I was married, the bike was always my escape, and I have gotten used to that. Just me, some tunes, the bike, and I wind up where I wind up. I rarely plan a trip, it just happens. I rarely pick a destination, I just arrive. Keeps life interesting.

 

[Geezer]

Well, so far I have not ridden with an FJR owner that I would refuse to ride with again. I'm sure there are some out there, but it hasn't happened to me. There are some sport bike riders in my community that I rode with once, and never again. Too dangerous. And a cruiser guy who is a very good friend, but riding with him is just plain boring so I generally avoid riding with him.

I rode out to NAFO and back alone, a total of about 6k miles. I enjoyed the ride very much and never really missed having someone with me while riding. I could ride fast or slow as the mood struck me, stop whenever I felt like and only when I felt like, change my route without regard for places or things that someone else might want to do or see. But it was lonely at the campground each evening not having someone to discuss the daily events with.

 

[Toecutter]

I could ride fast or slow as the mood struck me, stop whenever I felt like and only when I felt like, change my route without regard for places or things that someone else might want to do or see. But it was lonely at the campground each evening not having someone to discuss the daily events with.

Reminds me of being married as opposed to being single. Pros and cons to both, but a commitment either way. With riding, you can go back on forth on any given day, so I guess it's better than life! Maybe that's why we do it.

I went out to NAFO solo, and came back most of the way in a group. It was a good blend of experiences, but while I'm a one-woman kind of guy, I tend to prefer riding solo.

It wasn't you, guys, it's just me....

 

[twowheelnut]

If I can ride with Fairlaner ('ride with' is the wrong phrase, 'catch-up to eventually' is more like it), then I can ride with anyone!

:lol:

Kidding aside, I find myself less and less inclined to ride with large groups of other riders. Meet them somewhere, then ride my own ride and meet again - no problem. Ride as a 20 mule team, then I'll prolly pass.

Too, riding on multi-day rides requires a really great and compatible riding/rooming/dining/adventure partner. My recent trip with MCML was prolly the epitome of having a great riding mate (though admittedly, I must have annoyed the bajebus out of him with my smoking and nocturnal nasal concerts - bless him, he never made mention!). If a riding partner was a level or two below his caliber, then I might pass on a multi-day ride.

I also really, really enjoy the solitude of a solo ride. Nothing better for my soul than being in the middle of nowhere, singing along with whatever is playing on the Zumo, enjoying the scenery and watching the telephone poles click by...

 

[old&slow]

I prefer to ride alone ,,,, I always figured that eating dinner alone would be the worst part about riding alone,,

but even that is OK...

I do have a couple riding buddies , and we try to get out once , maybe twice, a year for a ride...

Don't care to ride in groups,,

Just not a herding type animal ,,, (anything more than 2 is the making of a herd)

It's nice to just get away and just blow the cob-webs out ,,, nobody to deal with but yourself....

 

[wheatonFJR]

It's a tricky business...

"type of road" trip compatible

riding pace compatible :clapping:

Passing technique compatible

personality compatible

For day rides...2 to 4 riders in a group is preferred...if more, then riding not as group but to a destination is preferred....with the possible wait at turns option.

For multi day trips...2 to 4 riders max....with riding style and pace compatibility a strong requirement.

I am fortunate to have had great riding partners for my trips. :yahoo:

I have taken long trips solo...and they are preferred over a big group or gaggle of riders. But I do enjoy the cameraderie of fellow riders on trips over 3 days in length.

I do NOT do parade rides.

The only exception to that would be if it were to honor a veteran...in that case I would honored to serve that family.

 

[oldryder]

FOr a day ride I'll accept almost anyone unless they're an unsafe rider.

In my experience for every hundred persons that says they'll do a X-country road trip theres maybe 1 or 2 that will actually do it when the time comes to commit.

that said, Xcountry is much more fun with 1 or 2 other riders. Safer to IMHO. Larger groups create geometrically more opportunities for conflict.

and I simply won't travel with someone that isn't meticulous about maintenance. losing time because someone had to tune their bike up in the middle of a trip (this actually happened to me back in the day when points were common) is not acceptable.

my 2 cents.

 

[Crash Cash]

In my experience for every hundred persons that says they'll do a X-country road trip theres maybe 1 or 2 that will actually do it when the time comes to commit.

+20 on that. Oh my god, I'm SO tired of fair-weather bikers!

 

[Bluebullet]

It's a tricky business...
"type of road" trip compatible

riding pace compatible :clapping:

Passing technique compatible

personality compatible

For day rides...2 to 4 riders in a group is preferred...if more, then riding not as group but to a destination is preferred....with the possible wait at turns option.

For multi day trips...2 to 4 riders max....with riding style and pace compatibility a strong requirement.

I am fortunate to have had great riding partners for my trips. :yahoo:

I have taken long trips solo...and they are preferred over a big group or gaggle of riders. But I do enjoy the cameraderie of fellow riders on trips over 3 days in length.

I do NOT do parade rides.

The only exception to that would be if it were to honor a veteran...in that case I would honored to serve that family.

Well put.

 

[RonBB]

Generally don't like group rides. Much prefer one or two trusted riding friends with similar skills, attitudes, & performance bikes. Forget the ducklin style rides- much too structured for me. The big rides for charities that draw thousands of bikes I just plain feel aren't safe. I've seen wheelies on sportbikes down the road in the middle of groups of cruisers going 7% below the speed limit. Too varied skills, performance & attitudes. Not for me.

 

[Khunajawdge]

Once in a great while (a life time really), you find someone who fits the bill as a riding partner. My wife doesn't ride, so she's never been that person for me (unfortunately)!

8 years ago I was fortunate enough to meet a guy (Joe) who was this ideal riding partner for me. Joe and I liked to ride the same pace, had similar skills on bikes, were exactly the same age, liked to ride and camp, enjoyed each others conversation (most of the time), liked to stop at the same intervals, basically rode/saw eye to eye.

Then Joe died. Heart attack at home at age 50. It was such a surprise that his wife and children, my wife and family, all of our mutual friends that we had met through our motorcycling experiences, and I were devastated by. It has been difficult to find a replacement for Joe, and I'm beginning to realize that it may never happen again.

I enjoy group riding in moderation, but the best deal is, to find a riding buddy that has got similar skills and ideas and who rides alot.

just my CO2.

 

[wheatonFJR]

In my experience for every hundred persons that says they'll do a X-country road trip theres maybe 1 or 2 that will actually do it when the time comes to commit.

+20 on that. Oh my god, I'm SO tired of fair-weather bikers!

Shouldn't have to worry as much about it as much on this Forum. Though there are a few slackers out there...you know who you are...many here like to ride the crap out of their FJRs.

Which is how it should be...

 

[HaulinAshe]

Well, so far I have not ridden with an FJR owner that I would refuse to ride with again.

Damn, I would have sworn we've ridden together before. Guess not!



The GF always says... "I go where you go." That's a priceless attitude, even if it does make washing the bike nearly impossible.

No offense to anyone else, but reading this thread makes me miss Grumpy that much more. I can count on two hands the number of racers I've run with who I could always predict where they would be and what they would do next.

I can count on one hand the number of FJR riders who I don't feel compelled to stare at in the mirrors. And I'm sure there's a boatload who stare at me.

It's definitely not a statement of character, but something more like magic. It's the same type of magic that occurs when just the right people form a musical band that hits it big. The magic can be fragile and often goes unappreciated until someone leaves and everything just falls apart.

I find a small group of 3-4 bikes with everyone on the same "wave length" to be just about as good as it gets. A duet needs a drummer. More than a few pieces starts to be an orchestra. All it takes is one person who doesn't know the lyrics or sings off key, and the whole thing sounds like crap.

 

[Grumpy]

Well, so far I have not ridden with an FJR owner that I would refuse to ride with again.

Damn, I would have sworn we've ridden together before. Guess not!



The GF always says... "I go where you go." That's a priceless attitude, even if it does make washing the bike nearly impossible.

No offense to anyone else, but reading this thread makes me miss Grumpy that much more. I can count on two hands the number of racers I've run with who I could always predict where they would be and what they would do next.

I can count on one hand the number of FJR riders who I don't feel compelled to stare at in the mirrors. And I'm sure there's a boatload who stare at me.

It's definitely not a statement of character, but something more like magic. It's the same type of magic that occurs when just the right people form a musical band that hits it big. The magic can be fragile and often goes unappreciated until someone leaves and everything just falls apart.

I find a small group of 3-4 bikes with everyone on the same "wave length" to be just about as good as it gets. A duet needs a drummer. More than a few pieces starts to be an orchestra. All it takes is one person who doesn't know the lyrics or sings off key, and the whole thing sounds like crap.

Well, Jeff, when "the Judith" and I get back from this Pacific Rim cruise, we'll have to do a ride or two before we leave on the Christmas trip..........well Hell someone has to do all this travel and it might as well be us!!!!!!!!

I have to say that you are the only guy that I know that I'm sure of what you're going to do before you do it!! Can't recall a time that you've suprised me.......of course I can hardly keep you in sight anymore, so I can for sure count on that!

jim