Question and Observation about this years National

[ConcoursKZ]

Made it home on Saturday. Had a Great Trip and met some new people and many from past years. However I noticed that a lot of riders were riding by themselves this year. In previous years groups averaging 6 were quite common and this year had more groups of 3 and less. I actually saw way more solitary riders than groups. Am I way off or did others notice this as well?

[Sport Rider]

I did notice that the yellow group ride sheets were pretty empty this year.   

[freebird6]

Made it home on Saturday. Had a Great Trip and met some new people and many from past years. However I noticed that a lot of riders were riding by themselves this year. In previous years groups averaging 6 were quite common and this year had more groups of 3 and less. I actually saw way more solitary riders than groups. Am I way off or did others notice this as well?

Noticed that .....thought I saw you headed out alone Thursday.

[Fais]

I noticed many smaller groups as well -

Seemed to me nobody wanted to be the 'slow' one in a group. Especially those not accustomed to the endless curves and long stints between traffic lights, etc. I got one ride in and did it with only one other bike myself - but that was just due to timing.

Just a thought ....

[Just Cliff]

I noticed several riding alone, but also talked to a few that prefer to ride alone. It's also very hard to get a very big group of compatible riders together. In my opinion 3 - 4 is a ideal number for a group. I did see more groups than I did solo riders though.

I want turn anybody away from a group ride. Thursday my group was approached for a ride with us, he was told sure no problem. He was also warned that it would hard & fast, he decided to back out.

I had a great time & wish I could have met many more than I did. It's just difficult with everyone being in several locations.

Cliff   

[Zarticus]

I rode the whole time by myself,  I was not asked to join any rides & am not the type to force myself on anyone. I'm not into big groups anyway but it would of been nice to ride with 3 or 4 other bikes.  The few groups I ran into while riding never asked if I wanted to tag along.  Maybe next time I will just take charge & plan a ride & ask a few people if they want to follow me. 

[Jim Snyder]

I rode the whole time by myself,  I was not asked to join any rides & am not the type to force myself on anyone. I'm not into big groups anyway but it would of been nice to ride with 3 or 4 other bikes.  The few groups I ran into while riding never asked if I wanted to tag along.  Maybe next time I will just take charge & plan a ride & ask a few people if they want to follow me. 

Was this your first National rally? If so that is the reason the First Timers Team idea was created. My first rally was 2009 in Canaan Valley and it was not a pleasant experience for me for the same reason. After that I got out there and made acquaintances. I used to be a follower now I want to lead rides most places I go. Sure wish I could have made it this year, I miss my COG family members.   

[Robby1953]

I rode the whole time by myself,  I was not asked to join any rides & am not the type to force myself on anyone. I'm not into big groups anyway but it would of been nice to ride with 3 or 4 other bikes.  The few groups I ran into while riding never asked if I wanted to tag along.  Maybe next time I will just take charge & plan a ride & ask a few people if they want to follow me. 

++1 count me in for that ride.
Doesn't have anything to do with first time attendance, this was my third national Johnson City, Cortez, and Helen. Never has anyone ask me if i wanted to tag along. I know many are going to say it's many own fault, but people cluster up into familiar groups and while very friendly are not prone to invite others into the fold. Just my 2 cents.

[Zarticus]

I rode the whole time by myself,  I was not asked to join any rides & am not the type to force myself on anyone. I'm not into big groups anyway but it would of been nice to ride with 3 or 4 other bikes.  The few groups I ran into while riding never asked if I wanted to tag along.  Maybe next time I will just take charge & plan a ride & ask a few people if they want to follow me. 

++1 count me in for that ride.
Doesn't have anything to do with first time attendance, this was my third national Johnson City, Cortez, and Helen. Never has anyone ask me if i wanted to tag along. I know many are going to say it's many own fault, but people cluster up into familiar groups and while very friendly are not prone to invite others into the fold. Just my 2 cents.

Well if we both make the National next year we will have to ride together 

[Camper Dave]

You 2 wanta share a room too 

[Zarticus]

You 2 wanta share a room too 

I'll be camping wise guy     

[Robby1953]

I rode the whole time by myself,  I was not asked to join any rides & am not the type to force myself on anyone. I'm not into big groups anyway but it would of been nice to ride with 3 or 4 other bikes.  The few groups I ran into while riding never asked if I wanted to tag along.  Maybe next time I will just take charge & plan a ride & ask a few people if they want to follow me. 

++1 count me in for that ride.
Doesn't have anything to do with first time attendance, this was my third national Johnson City, Cortez, and Helen. Never has anyone ask me if i wanted to tag along. I know many are going to say it's many own fault, but people cluster up into familiar groups and while very friendly are not prone to invite others into the fold. Just my 2 cents.

Well if we both make the National next year we will have to ride together 

Reservations are made already!  Hope to see you there!

[old fart]

I rode the whole time by myself,  I was not asked to join any rides & am not the type to force myself on anyone. I'm not into big groups anyway but it would of been nice to ride with 3 or 4 other bikes.  The few groups I ran into while riding never asked if I wanted to tag along.  Maybe next time I will just take charge & plan a ride & ask a few people if they want to follow me. 

++1 count me in for that ride.
Doesn't have anything to do with first time attendance, this was my third national Johnson City, Cortez, and Helen. Never has anyone ask me if i wanted to tag along. I know many are going to say it's many own fault, but people cluster up into familiar groups and while very friendly are not prone to invite others into the fold. Just my 2 cents.

Hey Robbie,
Good to see you on the forum, but I remember taking you on a ride on the Snake.
take care
rick

[MotoCommuter]

Tim,

We did have ride sheets (that were not utilized) and put together RTEs (that very few utilized) to try and encourage riders to meet and ride together. Unfortunately, there is a liability issue if we have any type of organized rides at our events, so every thing is informal.

I think one of my articles in the Concourier pointed out that we seem to be some what cliquish at these events. But many of were in the same boat but attended regional rallys or RTEs and have met and ridden with other riders. We tend to stick with known riders, it is not fun for either party if you are with riders that are faster or slower then you.

I hate to say it, but if you are a single rider, it is up to you to find a group to ride with. There were a couple opportunities to meet people at the early arrival and opening socials. But that does not excuse others from inviting you should they see your riding alone. It is a two way street.

So, my challenge to you, is to find a way to incorporate single riders into riding groups for next year's rally and present it to the 2017 Rally Leadership Team for consideration. This means you probably will end up heading it up, but that is what we are all about. 

[ConcoursKZ]

Tim,

We did have ride sheets (that were not utilized) and put together RTEs (that very few utilized) to try and encourage riders to meet and ride together. Unfortunately, there is a liability issue if we have any type of organized rides at our events, so every thing is informal.

I think one of my articles in the Concourier pointed out that we seem to be some what cliquish at these events. But many of were in the same boat but attended regional rallys or RTEs and have met and ridden with other riders. We tend to stick with known riders, it is not fun for either party if you are with riders that are faster or slower then you.

I hate to say it, but if you are a single rider, it is up to you to find a group to ride with. There were a couple opportunities to meet people at the early arrival and opening socials. But that does not excuse others from inviting you should they see your riding alone. It is a two way street.

So, my challenge to you, is to find a way to incorporate single riders into riding groups for next year's rally and present it to the 2017 Rally Leadership Team for consideration. This means you probably will end up heading it up, but that is what we are all about. 

I agree with your post 100%. We have plenty of time to come up with a plan for 2017. I like to spend a day at the National riding by myself. However this year I noticed many single riders. This might have been the way they wanted to ride. Also as a pretty outgoing person I personally have not had issue finding a small group. Maybe a sign up sheet for groups looking for 1 or 2 riders to join up. With a route and riding style. Great way for existing members to meet new people. And new members to fit in.

[Robby1953]

I rode the whole time by myself,  I was not asked to join any rides & am not the type to force myself on anyone. I'm not into big groups anyway but it would of been nice to ride with 3 or 4 other bikes.  The few groups I ran into while riding never asked if I wanted to tag along.  Maybe next time I will just take charge & plan a ride & ask a few people if they want to follow me. 

++1 count me in for that ride.
Doesn't have anything to do with first time attendance, this was my third national Johnson City, Cortez, and Helen. Never has anyone ask me if i wanted to tag along. I know many are going to say it's many own fault, but people cluster up into familiar groups and while very friendly are not prone to invite others into the fold. Just my 2 cents.

Hey Robbie,
Good to see you on the forum, but I remember taking you on a ride on the Snake.
take care
rick

Hey Rick, Good tho hear from you again. On another bike yet? Yes we rode together on the snake with Birdman, Wayniac and Brad. But if you remember i signed up on a ride sheet that you had on the board, i was saying that no one had ever ask whether or not i would like to tag along.

[Robby1953]

Tim,

We did have ride sheets (that were not utilized) and put together RTEs (that very few utilized) to try and encourage riders to meet and ride together. Unfortunately, there is a liability issue if we have any type of organized rides at our events, so every thing is informal.

I think one of my articles in the Concourier pointed out that we seem to be some what cliquish at these events. But many of were in the same boat but attended regional rallys or RTEs and have met and ridden with other riders. We tend to stick with known riders, it is not fun for either party if you are with riders that are faster or slower then you.

I hate to say it, but if you are a single rider, it is up to you to find a group to ride with. There were a couple opportunities to meet people at the early arrival and opening socials. But that does not excuse others from inviting you should they see your riding alone. It is a two way street.

So, my challenge to you, is to find a way to incorporate single riders into riding groups for next year's rally and present it to the 2017 Rally Leadership Team for consideration. This means you probably will end up heading it up, but that is what we are all about. 

Moto you're right. I checked the ride sheets every day and there was only one ride ever written there which kept getting moved back because no one else signed up including me (wasn't a ride i wanted to go on), i understand it a slower rider might crimp some peoples fun, i was the slowest rider on the snake in Johnson city but Rick, Wayne, Andrew, and Brad took the time to instruct and demonstrate making me a better rider. I know I was a burden but they were a big part of the reason i came back to two more nationals and the spider ride last year. I guess it comes down to whether anyone wants to take that sort of commitment and bring others in or just stick with the groups you have and let others come and then drift away.   

[Sport Rider]

People keep saying that we can't have organized rides, but we did that for the adventure ride.  I'm not picking on Ken...I had a great time on it.  I'm just thinking that if we take the same approach for other rides, that should not cause waives.  Since my RTE idea did not work so well this year, I was thinking of other options.  One is to only have ONE RTE location each day rather than several in play.  perhaps people would form into groups naturally?   the other idea is to have some volunteers identified to lead rides, much like what Ken did.  it might be a fine line on liability, but we need to figure out how to get closer to it.

[Robby1953]

People keep saying that we can't have organized rides, but we did that for the adventure ride.  I'm not picking on Ken...I had a great time on it.  I'm just thinking that if we take the same approach for other rides, that should not cause waives.  Since my RTE idea did not work so well this year, I was thinking of other options.  One is to only have ONE RTE location each day rather than several in play.  perhaps people would form into groups naturally?   the other idea is to have some volunteers identified to lead rides, much like what Ken did.  it might be a fine line on liability, but we need to figure out how to get closer to it.

Great idea, single location for RTE with departure location and time, other than that wouldn't really be an 'organized ride' would it?

[BackInTheSaddle]

Have we ever done "category rides" at a rally?  Group people by riding style for the day.  For examples; Stop & Smell the Roses - scenic rides with occasional stops 2 up, scenic rides solo, Casual - following the speed limit for the fun or riding 2 up, Casual rides solo, Bonzai - let's see how fast we can go and challenge ourselves.  Maybe folks would be more comfortable signing up if they knew the group was going to have similar objectives.  An RTE destination could be established for each one, and they could overlap to have more socializing of the groups.

[Sport Rider]

that's definitely a consideration.  skill levels and riding interest varies.  the signup sheets had an area to mark the type/style of riding.

[SATXRIDER]

I totally agree with BackintheSaddle.  As a new COG member attending my first rally, I was not sure who to ride with.  I saw the sign up sheets when I checked in on Sunday, but was not sure what skill level would be needed.  I think most of the groups are hesitant to invite someone new because they are not sure of the riders skill level.  This is especially true to those groups who want to hit it hard.  I did go on several group rides and had a great time.  Also went on a few solo rides when I couldn't find a group heading in the direction I planned.  Just so many variables to figure out when it comes to riding groups. 

[Ranger Jim]

If you're sitting around a campfire or standing around at a social chatting with someone you've never met (which I hope all of you did at some point or other at this National), what's stopping you from asking, "Hey, where you riding tomorrow? Mind if I come along?"  Seriously, what's the worst thing that will happen? They tell you no?  I'll bet that MOST will say "Sure, be glad to have you." Plus they'll make accommodations for your riding style (even if it's simply waiting for you at the next turn. That's how I met one of my best friends, Eddie Minter. He came up to me and Lane Harrison and asked if he could ride with us. We all became very good (probably lifelong) friends from that day.  BTW, I'm still waiting for Eddie at the turns. 

[JD]

New COG member and first time National COG Rally.  Overall a disappointing time.  Many Honda Hoot and Rider Magazine rally's ago things seemed to happen easier, friendlier.  Today's politically correct events lack soul but abound in cliques.  Second, just try and imagine the "fun" getting lost in Northern Georgia with an inoperative GPS, 1:15,000,000 scale maps, and written directions to Helen of no value and that was just trying to get there! It went downhill from there. At least Robert at check-in showed me how to leave the rally for home easily. Oh yes, at check in on Tuesday morning Robert at check in suffered WiFi crap out with more than a half hour needed to get me checked in.  Missed the morning rides, of course. Unfortunately I had to leave on Thursday so my $90 bought me a wrist band, T-shirt and some ice cream.  Wow. Too bad. I rode solo throughout the time I had there. Still don't know where the 2017 version is.....likely less than 366 paying attendees will be there, I'd bet.

[Robby1953]

If you're sitting around a campfire or standing around at a social chatting with someone you've never met (which I hope all of you did at some point or other at this National), what's stopping you from asking, "Hey, where you riding tomorrow? Mind if I come along?"  Seriously, what's the worst thing that will happen? They tell you no?  I'll bet that MOST will say "Sure, be glad to have you." Plus they'll make accommodations for your riding style (even if it's simply waiting for you at the next turn. That's how I met one of my best friends, Eddie Minter. He came up to me and Lane Harrison and asked if he could ride with us. We all became very good (probably lifelong) friends from that day.  BTW, I'm still waiting for Eddie at the turns. 

Why wouldn't it be "where you riding tomorrow, why don't you join us for a ride. We know the area and the rodes so you're welcome to tag along"   Why always expect the new guy to make the initiative.