Group Ride Rant/Public Service Announcement

[JINKSTER]

I just got off the phone with a close riding bud of mine last night...it seems he drummed up an internet ride (based in another O.A.) of close riding buds in the mid-florida-state area this past weekend...a full weekend ride....one i was very tempted to attend but didn't...and here's how it went...

one of the close level headed experienced buds invited a close friend of his along...who in turn?..took the liberty of inviting about 20 of HIS young and extremely agressive sportbike buds along...

roughly a 30 bike group....that spilt into two groups..."skilled" and "not so skilled"...and one dude that was there?...on a honda 600RR who was known for riding over his head?...running off the road on most rides and wrecking several previous bikes?...bought the big one...lost it in a right hander...stood it up...crossed the double yellows and head on'ed a sedan coming in the other direction.

This dude was struggling to run 2nd and trying like hell to take the groups lead position...my bud was two bikes behind him and all at once?...saw the 600 blow up on the sedans grill..then?...saw the bloodied face (from the airbag/steering wheel) of the sedan driver go by and then?....said that when he rode past the rider?...

'HE KNEW HE WAS DEAD"

as his body was completely limp and the front of his full face helmet was smashed flat and the visor covered with so much blood that you couldn't see his face through it.

and one of my other buds there is a trained emt/paramed who works as a male nurse and rushed to the dudes side and felt a faint pulse...for about 15 seconds...and then that was it...lights out.

To make matters worse?...one of the females in the slow group that came up and asked my bud "who went down?".....and she turned out to be the dudes wife.....who went uncontrollably and understandably....hysterical....he was 26 years old and they have two very young daughters.

Now....I didn't inform you folks of all that gory reality just to to rant atcha...i did it because all to often?...i witness older experienced riders who are either to intraverted or not bold enough to step up and read the riot act and rules of the road (as it applies to "group rides") to those who they witness consistantly attempting to ride over their own dumbazz heads...who don't teach them to hold their line and "get smooth"....BEFORE"...they try to be fast.

So?....i urge you folks...if ya see someone constantly biting off more than they can chew and blowing lines left and right through every other curve?..."step to the plate"...so you don't hafta...

"step to the body"

L8R, Bill.

[Charlesbusa]

Very sad for the family

This sport isn't for everyone. And it has nothing to do with skill, it has to do with judgement.

[JINKSTER]

(Charlesbusa @ Feb. 17 2007,08:47) Very sad for the family  

This sport isn't for everyone.  And it has nothing to do with skill, it has to do with judgement.

no..it has to do with "both"...but yes.."judgement" is a large part of it....or?...visa-versa.

[Lamb busa]

Damn!

[rockadaous]

well said. Sometimes you have to say what needs to be said. Good rant. Prayers go out to him and his family..... RIP

[SLA1500]

Very tragic, and so unnecessary.... Your comments are "right on" Jinkster.

Sadly, both the operator of the car and the young man's family members were innocently and forever dragged into this nightmare because of a thoughtless screw-up.

Prayers go out to both families.

[Hy_Rolr]

Sad but true...this kinda thing happens all to often, it's just a damn shame. My condolences to his family and friends.

[Shibumi]

(Charlesbusa @ Feb. 17 2007,13:47) Very sad for the family

This sport isn't for everyone. And it has nothing to do with skill, it has to do with judgement.

I agree completely Charles- regardless of skill, if a rider has good judgement he won't be in a bad situation. In a worst-case scenario of lack of skill, good judgement would be "Stay home".

[Punisher]

Good but sad post. It seems like over the past couple of years with gas going up alot more people are riding and you hear things like this more often. I know I enjoy riding because it gives you that freedom of moving through the wind with now "cage" and only your thoughts to keep you company, but we all need to remember that in that same freedom we must keep our wits about us on how much control we really have and how much we can REALLY handle.

[georgiabusa_05]

sad news. we all should think when we ride with a group and not ride over our head, its so easy to do when there are alot of people with different ridding levels and no one wants to get behind. Just remember, its better to bring up the back of the pack, and be able to go on the next ride, than not to ever be able to ride again. Prayers sent to the familys.

[Poppy]

That's sad indeed. Self discipline is also important....

[Revolution]

thanks bill

[GSXcite]

Sad to hear. Thats why other than riding with my pals on the org., I don't do group rides. Of all the people I have met on busas, we have only had one azzhat on a ride, and he got the point and never contacted us again!

[AES]

you know if i was gonna be upset with anyone it would be the dead guy, how selfish and stupid...... i have a 2 year old at home, every time i get on this bike he reminds me of how imperative it is that i becareful, because I HAVE TO COME BACK , and then there is my wife. I cant imagine getting sucked into something like that, JUST SO I COULD BE THE "LEADER". I really hate it that this guy was so "BULLHEADED" that his girls have to grow up without a father, pisses me off and ruins my afternoon.

[BIGSMOOTHH]

Exactly one of the reasons I prefer not to lead. Let me lag. Its fine. My skills arent as honed as when I was younger.
Recognizing your personal limits and staying within them is very important. Most people cant ride their bikes to its full potential because of their limits but they still try. Pushing your limits is fine but if you cross that line.....
Tough tough break for his family. Godspeed.

[Jet Li]

Good PSA, Bill.

I always ride in the back with groups, I like to keep things well in front of me so I have time to react appropriately. Wel, yeah, and I kinda have to ride in the back because of my skill level, but that never bothers me because I'm up on two with the wind and elements breezing by

Anyway, RIP fallen rider and God bless all those left behind or injured.

[hydrabusa]

some squidish acts will cause, alot of tears and moans...for the guy was quick, but the family have to suffer rest of their life...sad. RIP...

[dadofthree]

[DaCol.]

As the saying goes, " The Difference between Genius and Stupid is, Genius has limitations, Stupid Doesn't" !

This is exactly why I don't do group rides or have someone follow me on my Long Distance Rallys ! Either he's faster than me, or I'am faster than him. Either way, I don't try to catch up or wait, I just ride alone  

[BigDiesel]

sorry to hear this brother Bill-but kudos to you for saying something-even those of us who have "been there" before (and you know I've been there) can use the reminder-none of us are safe out there, EVER, when we ride....we have to be prepared at all times-dress for the crash, not the ride, etc, etc...we all hear it, but its never as 'real' as when it actually happens...i feel bad for those kids n the wife-prayers to the family, and the family of the driver-more innocents put in harms way for one fools' enjoyment. I will never be that fool. I only pray that none of my brothers on two wheels ever end up in that situation.