444 July Meeting

[Pat Calkins "Corn Dog"]

When:  July 7
Time:  11:00am
Place:  Tousley's Motor Sports

This will be a very short meeting (not more than an hour)  I just wanted to touch base with everyone before some of us venture out to Reno Nevada for STAR Days. Also, this meeting will be devoted to "Group" riding.  Since that is what we do (large and small groups).  So, bring your input and questions on the technical and safety aspect of group riding.  We want to make sure everyone is comfortable with "group riding".    

If someone wants to plan a ride after the meeting, that is encouraged.  

[Pat Calkins "Corn Dog"]

We have has some misunderstandings and some hurt feelings regarding group riding and the responsibilities of all parties involved. 

Therefore.........  the entire July 7th meeting is devoted to group riding, that includes the responsibilities of the ride leader, the participants and the tail gunner. 

If you have questions, concerns or whatever about group riding, then this meeting is one you don't want to miss. 

[Patrick McNeil]

Wendy and I will be there!

[Doug Kathy IGH]

I will be there, not sure if Doug is working.

Sorry to hear there were misunderstandings/hurt feelings at the last meeting.

My first group ride, Jimbo (ride leader) had me ride in front by him. My thought was I should ride in the back, so I wouldn't hold up those who were behind me. I found out, being an inexperienced rider, it was much easier for me to concentrate on just the one person in front of me. I rode close to the front, during the next few group rides until I felt I was comfortable enough to blend into the rest of the riders.

Group riding can be intimidating if you're unfamiliar with it. I know any comments made about the "quality" of rides are not intentionally meant to insult, hurt or offend anyone. If something is not working the way it should, I would rather hear about it as a preventative measure than after an incident has happened. The safety for our riders is a priority. Thanks for reading.

   - Kathy

[Patrick McNeil]

Anyone interested in a ride after the meeting.  I have my vest done and want to sport it off!....LOL

[Alan]

Good idea, Pat!  I would not recommend an introduction to group riding like we did.  Shortly after joining the chapter, we met Cliff and Steve for the Flood Run (Jimbo and others joined us later).  The hundreds of bikes were a bit of a "trial by fire".  It ended up just fine but was an intimidating introduction to riding in a group!

Very good thoughts, Kathy.  From the perspective of a relatively new road captain, I appreciate being able to see more easily a gap behind me if my pace is too fast for someone.  If they are riding near the back, I can't see them as well to make any adjustments to the pace.

[Pat Calkins "Corn Dog"]

I want to thank everybody who showed up at the "group riding" meeting today.  Sorry some had to stand. 

I hope that it was very useful to our membership.  It has been suggested to hold one of these type of meetings in the Spring because we are all so rusty after a long Winter.  Good suggestion. 

We are not perfect and we are all learning things every ride.  But it is important to be able to ride skillfully in the group situation.  We want to have fun and above all, ride safely. 

We wish to thank Tousley's for their meeting room and the hot dogs after the meeting was over. 

[Jane Booen]

I have been to two meetings and one ride.  Being so new, this topic was a good one.  I have ridden in groups before, but they did things different so this was good for me.  Thanks for "approving" my membership!  I'm looking forward to more rides!  I really enjoy this group of people.