Yesterday was my 1st big ride (22 bikes) from 3 different local forums. :willy:
Hubby (who has ridden on many group rides) and I set out at 7:45 to have breakfast and then to the 1st meeting spot. 8 of us met at the 1st meeting spot. I knew 4 of the 6 riders who were at the 1st stop. One was a friend :angelhap: I had invited, since I knew he has lots of experience on group rides and on bikes. The 2nd meeting spot was @ 20 miles away. When we arrived there were 14 other bikes there. Total of 4 ladies road (including me), one dropped off at the gas stop. We were supposed to head to a 3rd meeting spot (this ended up being the gas stop for the ride), but some how everyone was at the 1st 2 spots :lol:. So at this point the ride organizer changed the route. The ride ended up going through 4 counties 200+ and only touching the interstate for about 3 miles. There were twisties, hills and roads with no lines :yikes: . Oh and there were a ton iof Love Bugs out. My bike, helmet and Jacket are coverd
with them.
This was a learning experience for me, as I knew it would be. I was uneasy at the ride the night before, knowing I have not ridden too much, much less in a big group. I felt great when I woke up Sunday morning. I was comforted to see another female rider show up at the 1st meeting spot. I was also comforted that 2 more lady riders were at the 2nd meeting spot. I was also comfortable with the guy (on a 1800CC Cruiser :angelhap: ) who was the back man, I know him. They had 3 :angelhap: (chasers-is what I would call them) guys who would back track to be sure us in the back were still okay. I knew 2 of these guys (one was my friend I invited, so when I would see him I was sure I could keep going. He gave me a few hints at the first big stop sign and the hints helped me the rest of the day) and the third guy turned out to be great. He would block the roads at major intersections (stop signs) and was giving the less experienced riders tips. He rode behind me for a while and watched me ride He gave me some great advice after the ride. :dthumb:
I knew going in to this ride that I would need to ride my own pace and not try to plasy catch up. I only made 2 mistakes. 1st I went in to 1 corner a little too hot :damn: , but I was able to bring it back before I went over the yellow. 2nd I downshifted once and had the back wheel do a shake :scratch:. I realized how far we had ridden when we picked up the interstate and there was 40 miles :yikes: to the exit to the house. That is when I noticed how tired I was.
Group riding is another level and such a different experience :hug: . I was surprised at how comfortable (not extremely, but not scared either) I was on this ride. I was very proud of myself when we finished the ride.
Hubby (who has ridden on many group rides) and I set out at 7:45 to have breakfast and then to the 1st meeting spot. 8 of us met at the 1st meeting spot. I knew 4 of the 6 riders who were at the 1st stop. One was a friend :angelhap: I had invited, since I knew he has lots of experience on group rides and on bikes. The 2nd meeting spot was @ 20 miles away. When we arrived there were 14 other bikes there. Total of 4 ladies road (including me), one dropped off at the gas stop. We were supposed to head to a 3rd meeting spot (this ended up being the gas stop for the ride), but some how everyone was at the 1st 2 spots :lol:. So at this point the ride organizer changed the route. The ride ended up going through 4 counties 200+ and only touching the interstate for about 3 miles. There were twisties, hills and roads with no lines :yikes: . Oh and there were a ton iof Love Bugs out. My bike, helmet and Jacket are coverd
with them. This was a learning experience for me, as I knew it would be. I was uneasy at the ride the night before, knowing I have not ridden too much, much less in a big group. I felt great when I woke up Sunday morning. I was comforted to see another female rider show up at the 1st meeting spot. I was also comforted that 2 more lady riders were at the 2nd meeting spot. I was also comfortable with the guy (on a 1800CC Cruiser :angelhap: ) who was the back man, I know him. They had 3 :angelhap: (chasers-is what I would call them) guys who would back track to be sure us in the back were still okay. I knew 2 of these guys (one was my friend I invited, so when I would see him I was sure I could keep going. He gave me a few hints at the first big stop sign and the hints helped me the rest of the day) and the third guy turned out to be great. He would block the roads at major intersections (stop signs) and was giving the less experienced riders tips. He rode behind me for a while and watched me ride He gave me some great advice after the ride. :dthumb:
I knew going in to this ride that I would need to ride my own pace and not try to plasy catch up. I only made 2 mistakes. 1st I went in to 1 corner a little too hot :damn: , but I was able to bring it back before I went over the yellow. 2nd I downshifted once and had the back wheel do a shake :scratch:. I realized how far we had ridden when we picked up the interstate and there was 40 miles :yikes: to the exit to the house. That is when I noticed how tired I was.
Group riding is another level and such a different experience :hug: . I was surprised at how comfortable (not extremely, but not scared either) I was on this ride. I was very proud of myself when we finished the ride
.
