Experiencing The Group Ride

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Riding a motorcycle by yourself on a long stretch of highway (or a shorter stretch of curvy roads) is exhilarating. In those moments... it’s just you, your machine, nature and your thoughts. It will free your soul, ground you, and allow you to forget about the hassles of everyday life for at least a little while.

I wouldn’t trade those solo rides for anything and I most definitely look forward to my lone wolf excursions (Sunday nights are my “me only” ride nights most every week.) but if that were the extent of my riding, I’d be missing out on one of the best parts of being a motorcyclist. Group riding!

As a new rider (many years ago) I remember how the thought of riding with other riders in a group left me feeling a little intimidated. And to this day... I frequently talk to riders who have the same insecurities that result in tons of reasons why they don’t want to ride in a group.

Eventually I did go on my first group ride and was so enamored with it that I later formed and lead my own group that at times would have over 50 riders on any given ride. It was a total blast and I think it’s safe to say that I got over the intimidation factor quickly and completely fell in love with group riding.

Here are just some of the reasons why I think you will too:

ANTICIPATION: Need a lift from the daily grind of the ole job? I can tell you that knowing you have a ride on Saturday morning will make life look a lot better on Monday afternoon! And maybe the best part is that someone else is planning the route and taking care of all the details. Easy-peasy!

EXPLORATION: Riding a new road that you’ve never been down before is a trip for sure but there’s something extra special about the exploration of someone else’s favorite roads and areas... while you just relax and go along for the ride. Follow the leader... can you say Stress Relief?

CAMARADERIE: Riding alone has its own set of perks but when you ride with a group of people there is a feeling of camaraderie that naturally occurs. It doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from... you’re all in it together. I have good friends today that I met years ago on group rides. Some of which I would have never crossed paths with if not for our mutual love of riding motorcycles.

SAFETY: There is safety in numbers! When you ride in a group... you are seen and heard better. And as an added bonus, if anyone has a problem with their bike there are lots of friends there to help!

So what are you waiting for? If you are new to group riding I want to personally invite you to come out to the next Boswell’s ride. I can almost guarantee you will love it... and be back for more. And just to help you know what to expect... Here’s a few tips for your first time out.

FUEL UP FIRST: Make sure your gas tank is topped off before the ride. Start with anything less than a full tank and you might be leaving the group ride early to find the nearest gas station.

ARRIVE EARLY: Any organized group ride will require you to sign a release and the leader will have a quick riders meeting to discuss the plans before departure. Get there early so you are not rushing to complete any of this.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF: If it’s your first group ride... find out who is leading and introduce yourself. Let them know it’s your first time riding in a group. I know that seems intimidating but do it! Trust me... they want to know and you want them to know.

LINEUP CLOSE TO THE FRONT: Every new group rider wants to jump in line at the back of the group. That is the worst place you can be! Without going into all the details... I’ll just say, being close to the leader (front) will keep your speeds more consistent and provide the safest and easiest place for you to ride.

BE FAMILIAR WITH THE CONCEPT OF STAGGERED RIDING: Refer to the chart below courtesy of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation®. Most group rides will be in a staggered riding format. If the rider in front of you is in the left side of the lane, you should be in the right side and vice versa. This gives you optimum distance between yourself and the riders directly in front of and behind you.

BE AWARE: Just like any time you are riding, be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on in front of you and behind you. Maintain safe distances, watch for road obstructions, keep an eye on your rearview mirror and remember to ride within your own limits.

JUST RELAX: I get it... any time you try something new, with people you may not know, it can be a little funky. But this is no different than anything else you’ve tried for the first time. In fact, it’s probably a better situation because bikers are notoriously big-hearted. We’ve all been there before and we’re on your team. You’re about to have some of the most fun you’ve ever had... enjoy and take it all in!

Boswell’s Harley-Davidson schedules several group rides of varying distances throughout the year. We would love for you to join us on our next ride and experience group riding for yourself. But be warned... it is addictive!

I recently asked some of our friends on Social Media to tell us what they love about our group rides. Here are what some had to say:

“Great rides, great scenery, long distance. Great people and always good times!!!” – Marvin S.

“The rides to beautiful destinations, and sharing the experience with friends.” – Lisa H.

“Great rides with friends!” – Edward B.

“Always an adventure! Having grown up in Tennessee and being around motorcycles and that business his entire life, I’d say Bubba Boswell knows just about every good ride!” – Gina H.

“Always a great time and usually involving food which we all love... bikes and food!” – Steven S.

“Getting the opportunity to meet new people, checking out their bikes and hearing the rumble of the pipes as we all go out on the road.” – Edgar L.

"As a self proclaimed introvert, riding in a group gives me much needed fellowship. I'm not good at meeting people but on these rides I find I'm already friends with people I don't even know because of our mutual love of motorcycles! Brotherhood." - Huck J.

"A lot of roads I've never been on before and there always seems to be great food involved!" - Jamie C.

"Definitely the people." - Johnnie Z.

"Yes, we have been on a few, from back roads with Bubba, to Interstate to PCB and everything in between, there are so many roads. They are all different and all fun! That’s why we like them!" - John L.

"It's great!! We want more! We want more!!" - Robert C.

"I like these rides because it shows me riding routes that I otherwise would not have found." - Benjamin L.

"All of the above.. camaraderie... exciting riding to exciting places.. the sights, the sounds..group therapy." - clubhes