There are some right bloody idiots on the road and, unfortunately, some of them ride (I use the term loosely) Ducatis. This coming over Rannoch Moor towards Glencoe on Saturday.
Unfortunately that's groups of varying sizes trying to keep up with 'Red Leader'. I stopped riding in groups many years ago as it just starts to get faster and faster. I ride solo now and at my own pace without the need to 'keep up' or make dangerous overtake moves. I'm not perfect and do make mistakes but that looked to be a clear road with good visibility no need to be that impatient.
I’ve done very much the same - the best group I used to ride with was the Wey Valley IAM group - good people and (generally) a good balance of pace and sense. Unfortunately I now live 500 miles north, and the Scottish groups take a far more puritanical view of progress, and I tend to find that I’m not getting into flow with the ride. So solo runs it is now. And, yes, yon ijit on the Streetfighter had the best part of half a mile view of me - he was just completely focussed on following his mate on the Fireblade that basic riding competence (if he ever had any) went straight out the window.
Muppetry at its finest, however, I've watched the video several times, and at least he stayed within the white lines, as the car moved over for him. I've had much closer, with bikes on my side of the road before, very scary.
My local group has only just this week had a severe trimming of members by the leadership. The intention not only to cut the dead wood (members that don't come on rides) but maintain the quality of riding to the expected standard. 200+ members down to 41. Remarkably I'm still in...
I don't and won't ride in groups. It spoils a good ride just like golf spoils a good walk. Scotland in particular is a nightmare over the weekends, I stay well away until they're back in the office or collecting their dole.
Yeah, one or two max riding buddies...and people you know well. I spent years and years riding alone, probably close to 50K km, eventually I became bored with it, and now ride in very small groups where possible.
Yeah group rides can be such a hit or miss. I'm fairly lucky that a good friend of mine recently took to bikes, and I was able to guide him through his start, and he's done well. Took the criticism (advice, depending on the day) well, and he understood what I'm trying to pass down onto him. I feel well OK on a ride out with him. Not something that can be said about all riders. He also likes a faster pace, but all within the reasonable realm. I've also had a ride with slow bikes, and it just sapped the energy out of me, constantly waiting for them to rejoin, after an overtake or so. I would not mind meeting and joining other riders, but somewhat worried they'd get me to sh*t in some dumb and unpredictable way.
