well, again, sh*t happens, but so glad it wasn't worse and I'm learning something and filing it away reading each and every post.
the worse I felt was at NAFO in the Smokies(knoxille). I knew the Smokies roads well and even had routes and stops programmed into my Zumo. So early on, I offered to lead the ride on Friday, promised it would be leisurly with lotsa stops. I also stated I would only allow 5 more riders for a total of 6. Well, immediately I screwed up. Stopped for McD's breakfast in Maryville on really busy commuter highway at 8am, ate, and we all jumped to the gas pumps which were spread out and busy. Burnspot took longer than the rest as he was fooling with his hydration system. So 3 of us were at a set of pumps, and three including Burnspot were on the other side of the lil store at those pumps. I pull out to the driveway to the highway, glance over and see riders waiting at their driveway. 2 riders right behind me and I focus on the traffic and see the difficulty merging in turning left across 4 lanes and wish I had found a traffic light for all of us to assemble. Well, to cut to the chase, I left behind Burnspot and didn't focus on seeing 5 bikes in my mirrors; I was happy to see bikes in general. So all the way on the Foothills Pkwy, 129, Dragon, and stop at Deals Gap store. I was shocked when later Burnspot showed up and said I left him. So, again, stuff happens and I or a leader can have no clue on the mistakes made.
I enjoy group rides, don't like to ride alone, but I try to pick and choose who I ride with. There's quite a few other riders who I won't ever ride again with and they are removed from my "ride invitation" email list.
Again, great thread and relief the situation wasn't worse
Mike
in Nawlins'
