rideouts

[Mr Speirs]

Oh and bikes that are faster than mine. That is rubbish. Actually hopefully Ill have a faster bike soon so it'll be fine

I look at rideouts a little differently to most people (or at least to the people that have commented so far).

The reason being, as I've said on numerous rideouts, I can get out & ride on damn decent roads (anyone who's been on any NW rideout will know the quality of roads) whenever I like, and ride at whatever pace suits my mood.

I can generally pick a direction & change my mind at the drop of a hat. Go where the flow takes me & then head back home when I'm done.

To me, a rideout is enjoyable when there's nothing negative to it.

That means:
- all newbies are looked after (another reason why I often volunteer to TEC the NW rideouts). Especially that no newbies feel pressured to keep pace with the front runners (something that despite being overly stressed on all rideouts I'm aware still happens from time to time).
- no-one crashes (some say this is inevitable).
- I'm not too tired & have to abort due to work rota.

Other than that, it's all good. New roads add a new challenge, regardless of however complex they are.

Clearly labeled fuel pumps !!

Or maybe glasses.

Originally Posted by Mr Speirs

Oh and bikes that are faster than mine. That is rubbish. Actually hopefully Ill have a faster bike soon so it'll be fine

Nah, you'll just have to find excuses why you go slower now than you did on the SV. I do

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Mr Speirs

Oh and bikes that are faster than mine. That is rubbish. Actually hopefully Ill have a faster bike soon so it'll be fine

I love it when people have quicker bikes, makes it a challenge.

What do you want from a rideout?

The company of likeminded friends I can trust.

How far do you like to go?

The distance isnt a problem, 6 hours is about my max before fatigue sets in and concentration lapses.

What types or roads do you prefer?

Sweeping A and B roads in the mountains. It like to see surprisings views eg a Castle on AR08, Industrial such as the huge slate quarries in North Wales, or fantastic natural views.

How often do you like to stop?

Only when I need to stretch my back or water some trees.

Anything you like?

The banter at a rest stop, the stories of daring do, sometimes embellished but that's all the fun of it.

I also like straying off the planned route (getting lost), but only if the group is small and all together.

I love it when the group goes through villages and the locals stop to wave, stare, clutch their children.

Dislike about them?

The time it takes for everyone to get set for the off.

Particularly dislike like the "Where's Joe" conversations, I always get a knot in my stomach.

Failure to mark is a bugbear.

Hey I been on the other side - designing a suitable route.

Accommodating everyone isn't easy y'know. There are inevitably people who (fairly) want to go faster, peeps who haven't been on a rideout before (some of whom will be new riders), some like to stop frequently, and others are happy to blast away all day. Some don't like motorways (me included - although I've now conquered my fear of high bridges) and others find too many twisties intimidating.

It's difficult to bring a large number of bikes over farm tracks, so you need good roads that are capable of taking the number of riders in safety. Finding somewhere good to stop every so often is also important.

You have to assume a certain level of skill. It's a question of getting the middle ground so that everyone takes something.

Ed, I'm sure no one is having a pop at the folk who take the time and effort to organise rideouts, weekends etc.

Sad we missed out on the last MM and looking forward to the Barmouth run. And the NW and etc etc.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Oh and I quite like it if theres a scenic photo opportunity stop as well.

+1. I'd rather stop for photo breaks than fag breaks, bu then I don't smoke, but then there would just be too many. So what people need to do is learn how to smoke a fag through their lids or smoke them real quick at traffic lights and I need to learn how to take photos on the move

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

When all my money has dissappeared down that whirlpool in the corner of the petrol tank and it is time to add more.

...which is where I come in


A rideout's a rideout to me, I enjoy the atmosphere regardless of how fast or slow we go. Just being with other bikes on the road is a treat for me

I'm no expert but i know what i'd like.
Distance doesn't bother me, i'd say a break every hour is fine, maybe a bit longer.
Speed doesn't bother me either, although i like quicky quicky, i'm happy tootling along.
I like the idea of stopping at biker stops or pubs and things, not the local shell garage, but a stop's a stop. As long as there's good people there it's all good eh

Anyway i suppose i'll find out what i really like at Barmouth.

Originally Posted by petevtwin650

Ed, I'm sure no one is having a pop at the folk who take the time and effort to organise rideouts, weekends etc.

All I'm saying is - it can be v difficult to find a suitable mix.

Originally Posted by Thingus

Speed doesn't bother me either, although i like quicky quicky, i'm happy tootling along.

Happy 'tootling along'? - er I didn't see any evidence of that Saturday