Some thoughts on Saturday's ride

[speedevil]

I took my Goldwing down to Canton, GA to ride the GA/NC/TN mountains for a couple of days, and I might have just learned something along the way.  There were 3 of us on the "fast" ride, but that was a relative term. We settled on a comfortable pace that took into account the visibility, road conditions, and traffic, both 2 and 4-wheeled.

We got behind a group of Harleys on NC-28 northbound towards Deal's Gap, and they were going a fair amount slower than we had been up to that point. If you know NC-28 there aren't many places to pass, and even fewer that will permit 3 bikes to overtake 5 others when the 5 are spread out. So, we settled in for a leisurely pace to US-129.

The tailgunner was riding a hardtail chopper with ape hanger bars, and wasn't leaning much in the turns. Maybe due to weather conditions, maybe lack of ground clearance, lack of experience, perhaps a combination of several things. I thought that they should pull over and let us by, but they did not take advantage of a couple of pull-outs. I may have even hollered in my helmet once or twice.

Then I thought some more.

They may not be riding bikes that I would choose to ride, but I probably am not riding a bike they would choose. That's fine, the world is big enough for us to make our own choices. They weren't riding at the same pace we were, but again, the pace we chose for our group isn't the correct pace for every group.

Here's the kicker - they were out riding in nasty conditions, on bikes that don't handle as well as our wings do, and they were out there for the same reason we were - to ride. They could have been sitting in the garage, polishing the chrome and making jokes about fools out riding in these conditions, but they weren't - they were out riding and they deserve all the credit for doing it.

There were no posers out riding the NC/TN/GA mountains on Saturday, just riders.  For those of you that  live in that area, you know what Saturday's weather was like, or anyone that looked at weather radar for that matter.  We rode 350+ miles on Saturday and unfortunately rode underneath the front most of the day (or so it seemed).  Turner's Corner Cafe was  deserted and it looks like it has been for a while.

I guess the leisurely pace up NC-28 allowed me to think about the situation and I'm glad I did - my first thoughts were selfish and I was wrong. I'm glad I rethought it, and if one of them had trouble I would have stopped to help.

[swampduc]

That's a good attitude if it helps you ride safely and not angry behind people like that. I sometimes have to tell myself things like that as well. But I really have a problem with people who refuse to use turn outs, whether I'm in a car, truck, or on the bike. Good on ya for staying patient.

[Howie]

Anytime i think there is a possibility someone on a bike wants to pass me I move over when possible.  On a bike that means almost any straight.

[EvilSteve]

Anytime i think there is a possibility someone on a bike wants to pass me I move over when possible.  On a bike that means almost any straight.

+1

I always thought it was standard behavior to move over for bikes who are faster than you. I've found that bikers are worse at doing this than cars. I'm glad you've come to a nice zen like state of peace but IMO, if there's a bike (or car actually) coming up quick behind me, I get the make the beast with two backs out the way & let them enjoy the world at their own speed.

[Grampa]

none shall pass

[EvilSteve]

none shall pass

Monty Python And The Holy Grail- The Black Knight

[77south]

My mantra to keep my cool in those situations is: Blessed is the slow traffic, without their obstruction I would get more speeding tickets. 

[Dietrich]

They may not be riding bikes that I would choose to ride, but I probably am not riding a bike they would choose. That's fine, the world is big enough for us to make our own choices. They weren't riding at the same pace we were, but again, the pace we chose for our group isn't the correct pace for every group.

Here's the kicker - they were out riding in nasty conditions, on bikes that don't handle as well as our wings do, and they were out there for the same reason we were - to ride. They could have been sitting in the garage, polishing the chrome and making jokes about fools out riding in these conditions, but they weren't - they were out riding and they deserve all the credit for doing it.

There were no posers out riding the NC/TN/GA mountains on Saturday, just riders.

Like your attitude on this and wish more thought like that.  To each thier own, and it takes all kinds to make the world go around.

[pennyrobber]

My mantra to keep my cool in those situations is: Blessed is the slow traffic, without their obstruction I would get more speeding tickets. 

+1. I don't know how many times I get stuck behind a slow vehicle in the twisties just as we come across a twisty hallway monitor.

Also, I like the attitude everyone here is holding. Sometimes it can be frustrating to get stuck behind a slow group of riders but there is no sense getting worked up about it. Level heads prevail and a Zen mind produces a better rider.

[kingbaby]

a Zen mind produces a better rider.

Wax on, Wax off Daniel-san!.

[junior varsity]

blah blah blah

 I may have even hollered in my helmet once or twice.

blah blah blah

I know this yell. I have done it several times on 129, sound something like "C'MON, MOVE OVER FOR FACKS SAKE"

Good times. and i just drew attention to myself at work when i laughed at monty python.

[Scotzman]

I won't complain until people start going under the speed limit (weather permiting).