I've been saying it for years... But this was the final straw. Riding during Motorcycle Rallies is officially over for me. Too many people, too many unfamiliar roads, and too many drunks. Always trust your gut and RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE..... Today could have ended VERY differently. Rallies are fun, and I will still attend, but I'm officially done with the "Riding" part of them.
This is why the majority of my riding, especially long-distance riding, is done solo. You never know what people's riding levels are at large events. And you also don't know what their social activities have involved that may impair their judgments. I have never had a desire to go out to Sturgis during bike week, or even down to Daytona or Myrtle beach. I'm sure there are a lot of fun for most people. But for me, I would rather enjoy my ride and not worry about those around me. Stay safe out there and keep doing what you do. Maybe one day I will come across you and your hubby in my travels through Ohio
Most those people at rallies don't even ride much during the year. They got bikes just to go to those events. I've ridden with a few local guys that do their weekend bar to be rides and I seen first hand they can't ride and they get upset when you're a better rider then them and trust your ability. They start freaking out if you're not riding like a square like them. I'm like, maybe if you weren't drinking at every stop you'd be more comfortable riding, not my fault you're a drunk rider and want to talk crap about someone that rides 10k miles more then you every year and doesn't drink and ride.
@@ScottSpencer716 I agree 100%. My wife rides her own bike, and she is the only person I'll ride with. As for Sturgis, it seems as there are beautiful roads/rides in the area. I always tell her that I would love to go to Sturgis at anytime other than Bike Week to ride the beautiful roads without all the people.
I'm 70. I tried a 2.5 hour ride with a buddy. It was fun but I found its much safer to just do your own ride. Maybe better to just meet up for lunch somewhere! 🙂
I agree 100%! I have a small group I ride with, sometimes there are 3-4 bikes or just 1-2 OR I ride solo! I no longer do big events or rallies. I will always ride my ride and never apologize...keep being you!
I ride alone. Always coming up with excuses not to ride with others can be exhausting. My main excuse..."I like to ride alone, I'm slow so you don't want to ride with me. 😊"
I haven't commented in a while but this is one thing that I have been dealing with. Nashville has gotten so big that I don't feel safe anymore. I have been run off the road, had people run stop signs, just not see me. I never had that before. I have limited my riding to the back country roads and I have not ridden as much as I have in the past. Not complaining but I get what you are saying. Thanks.
Good decision, Jess. I've been riding for 50 years and I've done many group rides and rallys. Seen many crashes, some rider caused, and some cager caused. I started riding alone about 10 years ago just so I could concentrate on my surroundings, my reaction time, and so I could slow down and enjoy the ride. I'm enjoying it more also. Ride safe.🙏🏾👍🏾
Oh boy you hit the nail on the head so to speak. After having 6 bike over 50 years on and off an many miles under my belt I HATE RIDING IN GROUPS OR RALLIES! I have only two or three friends over the years that I truly had the same riding philosophy and skill level . Way two many show offs and drunks and immature want to be's for me for me. great video Jess.
I don’t ride anymore, but when I did….my final one was with a firefighter group for charity. It was a short ride, about 75 miles. I had a Goldwing, so anything under 300 was short to me. Anyway, halfway into it, they stopped at a bar and started drinking. I waited a short time, went inside to find the friends who invited me, and politely told them see ya later. Never again did I ride with more than 3 or 4 others, and mostly I stayed solo.
There is nothing scarier than being behind an inexperienced rider. Be cautious and leave a gap that you know will give you time to react no matter what happens. Stay safe out there.
100% agree. I do like to ride with my friends, but larger rides, I’m 100% aware of keeping my own safety buffers, and I don’t take as many risks as some.
I live between Rogers and Eureka Springs. I get to ride a lot and avoid the biggest crowds. We have tons of dirt roads to play on and get away from most people.
My wife is Chinese. Most chinese women also do not wear their wedding rings unless they are going somewhere where it could be seen. My wife is also super conscious of not damaging it, so she turns the diamond to the inside of her hand because she is afraid the diamond setting will be damaged. In this I am referring to native Chinese and not necessarily Chinese-Americans. This has to do with wedding rings being a piece of borrowed culture from the West, and it's mostly for fashion. Wearing a $10k to $20k ring while riding a motorcycle seems like a decidedly bad idea anyway. As a rule, diamond rings are not the only way to know if someone is married, if they are really concerned they can always ask.
I completely understand your point of view on group riding. I really enjoy having people to socialize with at the end of a day of riding, but ever since COVID I’ve found peace and a true sense of self in being a solo traveler. Isn’t that why we all started? I thoroughly enjoy your content, and hope you have many more seasons to exploring to do. Be well.
I have always wanted to go on group rides, even on a face book group for group rides, but I can never get myself to go on one for that very same reason. I don’t mine riding with a few people, but I just don’t feel comfortable riding with a whole group of people that I don’t know, probably why I’ll always be alone.
If the group isn’t feeling safe, just let them go on ahead if you know where you are all meeting up. However, a Good group will put newbies near the front and ride appropriately. There’s a time and place for spirited riding, a large group isn’t it.
I always said that you can’t control the distance behind you, but you can control the distance in front of you. A little extra space in front can make a big difference and save your life.
I used to hate riding alone. But now that I'm older I prefer it. I enjoy riding with my nephew and a friend or 2 but always a small group. I have zero interest in going to a rally.
You have an excellent sense of timing when filming. Other VIDs scenary/events drag or quickly (too fast) go by. With your timing I sit back and can enjoy each fram without it rushing by. Thanks.
Same here! Always stay in the back in case someone loses it and I can avoid it! I don’t worry about me it’s the other riders I don’t know that I don’t trust
So glad you stayed back! There were a few curves that I had to be really cautious on because my back tire felt loose and from then On I stayed behind the pack and rode my own ride.
I feel you on group rides. I tried a couple of times and just can't get into it. One or two I'm ok but more than that I just hang back and enjoy the ride
Riding solo since 1961. Occasionally with my kids or a friend. VERY occasionally with a small group of known and trusted riders. But 99% solo. As an added plus - potty breaks are easier to schedule. 😁
I stopped rallying and large group rides years ago. There's always that one that ruins it for everyone else. After pulling out of several group rides back to back, I had, had enough. I have never once regretted my decision. My wife and I ride together quite often and that is good enough for me. Thankful you have now have your eyes open to a more enjoyable way of enjoying your motorcycle. Best wishes for many more relaxing and enjoyable rides.
I’m with you on that!!! Have ridden a few times and people start drinking and then they start getting stupid. Glad you are smarter than that and always ride safe. Love ya Jess. Ride safe.
I’ve been riding for 20 years and this years BBB was my first bigger rally. It solidified why I ride solo or small groups of buddies. I ended up exploring less congested parts of NW AR.
Eureka Springs looks very summery still, compared to where I live! 🙂 I gave up on group riding after a small handful of times that I joined a group over 10 years ago. I prefer solo rides way more from the freedom of stopping, going, resting whenever and wherever I want, and the fact that in group riding, some riders in a group make me nervous when I follow them--you can't control what they do (e.g., hitting the brakes all the time!). Cheers!
I agree totally, Jess - just need to ride your own ride - FYI due to you Jess I just completed my solo tour of PA ( PA-97 ) Woodstock & the Catskills Mt for 3 days then over and up RT100 in Vermont to Stowe for 4 days then over to Lake Placid area for 4 days - then down to 5 fingers lakes for a day then back home to Columbus, Ohio. What a bucket list ride for sure - So glad I did it while I can ride - Was in the wilderness pretty much the whole time - Those states are magical and majestic & beautiful - Rode up White Face Mountain - Wow as Shadetree Surgeon would say - Just DELICIOUS !! I be I said that about 500 times thru the 2 weeks - you should head up there - Western NY is nothing but beautiful Lakes - 1000's of them - Its like you are riding in a beautiful picture hanging on a wall in a nice house - as a bonus Guys / Gals - Pull up the web site of Elk Lake Lodge just south east of Lake Placid - then on their site click on the WEB CAM - its 24 seven - Its like another world - was watching it month before I left and told my friends what time I would be there and they saw me pull up on the cam - off the road - their driveway is all gravel and its 5 miles back to the lake !! Yes 5 miles so on my Yamaha Stratoliner It took me 30 minuets to ride there - buy boy was it worth it - Just Beautiful - Its about $ 350-$400 a night to stay there but it includes all meals and paddle boats and trails all over the place - they had a Moose siting just the day before I rode in. Anyway Jess thanks for giving me the courage to do these solo trips - 3500 miles and this was my 5th trip - - 1 st one was Old Man Caves down in Athens - Then State Route 555 done to Parkersburg and Marietta, Ohio - Third one was KY - The Natural Bridge - then over to Beckley, WV then up to Seneca Rocks !! 4th one went down the Smoky Mountings starting at the Back of the Dragon down by Bluefileld, WVA - and now this trip east. Delicious !!! Guys just do it and go you will be so glad you did - My motto is Slow and Steady !! You will be fine. Tim - Ohio
Me and my wife have been riding our own bikes for just over a year. We were invited to a group ride a few weeks ago. We discussed it and decided it was best for us to just go on our own ride date . We want to meet others but we also don’t lol the times we do get to ride are so few we’d rather it just be us.
I Got Fired, On 25 May 2024, After Being With The Same Company For 27+Years. Went To Alaska. Spent 3 Months, In Canada, EH, Been In All The Provinces, And Countless Islands, I Ride Solo. I Am 67, Be Back Home For Christmas. I Been Filling Out, Job Applications, On The Road. I Now, Cruising The Lower, 48. I Will Be Ready, To Go Back To Work, January 2025. I Year And 4 Months, Before I Can Completely Retire. Only One Person, That Needs, To Be, Comfortable, And Happy, With Their Life, Thats You. Be Safe, Stay Healthy, And Have A Groovy Day.
I was taught to ride by a ex army motorcycle dispatch rider and one thing he drummed into me "ONLY A FOOL BRAKES THE 2 SECOND RULE" meaning what ever speed your doing stay 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front unless you plan to overtake
Thank God you knew to stay back and be on alert! If you don’t ride a lot like every day or 4 to 5 times a week anyone can have a very bad day unfortunately one person having a problem can effect so many other people in the blink of a eye. I ride solo for that very reason. Eureka Springs is one of the best areas to ride but it’s the roads that most people don’t ride on that are the best, I call it going out into the back roads where the locals live. I ride alone and I like the peace it brings me.
Hey Jess! ALWAYS Trust your survival instincts!! Used to ride in groups a lot in my early years of riding. Trusted the people I was riding with. To many distractions and lack of focus today!! I'll ride alone thanks!!!! Stay Safe!!!
Totally understand your point of view. Rather be safe than sorry and ride your own ride. It can take a split second of eye's off the road or a bird or not focusing on the road and paying attention for something bad to happen. And keeping a safe distance behind a vehicle or bike is always the better option. Glad you weren't involved and hoping those who where are ok. 🙏
I returned to riding last year at 30 years old and I much prefer riding alone. I’ve found myself not even enjoying the scenery on structured group rides because there’s so much going on. 2 or 3 likeminded riders is my comfort level.
YES!!!! I've had this same internal conversation, that brought me to the same conclusions. I feel safer alone, or with my regular riding buddy. Our toughest choice is where to stop for lunch.
You have the correct idea... ride your own ride! I personally dislike group riding amongst those I do not know or trust. Don't get me wrong when riding with our old club (not an MC but a Rally Club - we ride bikes to a field, then (an not necessarily in this order), pitch tents, drink beer, take the mickey out of each other, drink beer, sleep, drink beer, be idiots.... etc)) the group we rode in rode as a single unit, and always rode to the abilities of the slowest / newest club member... it takes discipline and it takes people to behave and ride in a way that is consistent and safe (not necessarily slowly as we all had high power japanese bikes).
I hear what you're saying. I like riding by myself, always have, just because I like being able to slow down & look at the scenery when I want, stop when I want and go when I want. I went to Sturgis this year, first time since 2017 and I really didn't enjoy it, to many DA's riding like idiots, saw several accidents. I took the Interstate out there but not back, I like 2 lanes so much better...
Share the same thoughts about riding in unfamiliar groups and at major event venues. Years ago, at one large event, I was hit from behind by an inattentive rider and at another event I was side swiped by a rider on a bike with poorly maintained brakes. From each incident I was luckily able to ride away a little banged up and with damage, but since then I've made a good effort to avoid major motorcycle event venues. I prefer to go to these places during the week days to avoid the crowds. 👊✊
Best compromise I find is to ride with one other person who you know well and ride regularly with. Time spent on the road together means you get to know each other's riding styles and abilities. In the end, you settle into familiar riding formations to suit the various road conditions you encounter and can pretty much anticipate each other's reactions to surprises and new situations.
Eureka Springs looks beautiful. Hope everyone is okay from the crash in your story. Ride safe. Also if you could send some of that hot weather to the UK that would be great!
I tend to agree with you. I ride with a local EWMA Chapter on various rides. We try to limit our group to 8. If needed we split the group, which means two leaders and two tails. I have ridden in each slot from #1, to tail. The riders are all senior citizens who don’t really ride the miles I do, and it shows every single ride! I’m a lot more comfortable with a max of 4 riders staggered formation. And 2 is a great dynamic for crossing the country! Solo can be very mentally rewarding, working out life as you gobble up the miles. For me I love 2- lane blacktop country roads of America! The interstate is as boring as a train ride. ❤️✌️. Ride on Sister!
Born and raised in Minnesota, we are a good group. 😅 Then moved to and ride in Charleston S.C. in the HUMIDITY. It is tough. That looks like a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing.
I think when you’re on a group ride and you may be the most experienced or perhaps the group can talk about the ride before the ride what kind of obstacles are going to be presented? What kind of following distance you should have not everybody is as experienced as other riders, I think everybody is out there to enjoy themselves a plan before the ride is probably the best case scenario but I completely agree. You’re taking a lot of risks when you’re riding with people that don’t care if they’re drunk Riding.
I feel you 100%. I only ride with people that I've known for years. I know the way they ride. I hate riding with people I don't know. I'm more for safety since my accident needless to say I died once from that accident. I'm very lucky I'm back on two wheels again. Safety first!!
The next time you are back to that area, you need to check out The Top of the Rock, Lost Canyon and Nature Trail and The Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Both just north of the Arkansas border and southwest of Branson, MO. They are both beautiful places. You can't ride the bike onto the trails but definitely worth the views!
Hi there, very nice to see Eureka Springs again as bring back good memories of my visit there with my wife about 5yrs ago... Looks just the same, same shops etc . Love your RU-vid Channel which discovered recently, keep up the great content. Regards from a chilly and wet UK!
Never feel bad about riding solo. I do it myself quite often. I'm still the type that likes to ride in a small pack, but sometimes solo rides are the best rides. I've always said you must be one with your bike. It's a feeling that only experience riders can understand. You as a rider need to feel relaxed and comfortable. We all have our off days in which we are not "one with the bike" which is totally fine. We just just need to be aware of it and ride for it. This means that you may need more for reaction time, may need to change speeds more for cornering. Being "one with your bike" also means if you have a gut feeling about the group you are with, you always ride to prepare. A person should never ride just for show. that's where accidents happen. Keep up the awesome videos, love to watch!! Love from Canada.
I enjoyed this video. And I am glad that you can explain how you ride and con be comfortable with it. I see many who try to ride tight with others and there are benefits to riding that way sometimes. But a lot of riders do not have that skill level or the ability to maintain the degree of readiness it takes to ride tight. And when on a leisurely ride there is usually not a need to stay tight. I’ve been enjoying your videos since when you were camping on your Dana . I believe you have helped countless others to enjoy the motorcycle activities and have been an asset to the motorcycle community. And I applaud you. Maybe our paths will cross someday and I will say hey .
Well lived in Oklahoma my entire life. Heat July and August can be ruff. I personally wear a cooling vest when it's real bad. I would say as a total we get alot of riding season here.
They do run fast and tight.... they also let you ride your own ride without judgment. At the end of the day, you have to ride your own ride. Good message Jess.
I was there over the weekend with a buddy that haven't ridden in 15 years. We were heading to eureka springs, got a fourth of the way there and turned around. I felt the roads were a bit much for him. Those curves have zero room for error.
Hi I’m Rob new to this whole thing on You Tube . That being said I used to be an advid rider I have had a few bikes but not ridden in 35 yrs. My wife passed in 2023 so I asked my girls what they thought about me getting back on the horse . So I went out a bought my first Harley Davidson 2024 Street Glide I love it but I do worry about people around me . I would rather ride by myself or with one other person I think you were so rite to ride behind . I hope they are ok and happy you were not involved . 😊👍🙏
Good Video looks like a cool little town. That accident had to be scary to witness and I am glad you were not in it. Stay safe on your ride home🤠🤠🤠❤️❤️❤️
Glad you are safe Jess and hopefully those you saw go down will recover quickly. Ever since I started riding I always go by the advice of Ride your own ride. I have done enough large group rides to know that I prefer solo or with one fellow rider. Ride Safe
So true.... It's better to ride solo or with max two people who you know and are at the same level or experience & skills as you are..... A huge group is an initiation to chaos. Also, if going on a dangerous ride like mountains it's not a good idea to do a solo ride...
