Motorcycle Clubs

[John Hopkins]

I have just read this thread, and I agree with the person who said why would you buy a solo machine if you want to spend a lot of time riding with others..I ride a lot of long runs, I meet other riders along the way at truck stops, cafes, pubs, viewpoints, and other places where riders stop, we exchange information, maybe talk about our bikes and the journey we have travelled, and then we part to ride our separate ways, sometimes if we are riding to the same place we will ride a way together until one of us peels off..

I find this better than a group ride because I am under no obligation to be somewhere at a given time or date..I have done a few group rides, even lead a few and I have enjoyed them..But I usually ride alone..

John.

[Lakota]

Originally Posted by CrazyDave

Friend
CrazyDave

For Squeaky

I had a friend
a brother of mine
I had a friend
we were together
all the time
I had a friend
our bond thicker
than blood or skin
I had a friend
but something changed
within
. . .

A different road
something to gain
something to lose

Thanks for posting that Dave. It happens.

And thanks for the compliment. She's coming along . . .



Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com App

[PA SHADOW 750]

Your local Honda dealer should have rides posted my does, clubs I don't get, the freedom of riding is enjoyment for me, clubs come with rules and structure I get that at work don't want it on my free time

[Menhir]

Originally Posted by PA SHADOW 750

...the freedom of riding is enjoyment for me, clubs come with rules and structure I get that at work don't want it on my free time

Well said. My sentiments, exactly.

My motorcycle is my horse, and the roads are the open range.
That's why I love riding.

[Menhir]

And, by the way...

The Patriot Guard shouldn't be perceived as a riding club. In the year+ that I've been a member, I've only been on one mission that actually involved a group ride, and it was a short ride at that.

The rest involved arriving at a designated staging area, the mission consisting of a flag line.

I've been warmly received every time I've shown up. I once apologized for not being able to attend more missions due to my work schedule and was told that the efforts of all riders are appreciated.

A flag line may not be as glitzy as a big group ride, and I gather there are some riders who only seem to show for the big attention-getting missions with big rides, but I've never felt the time I've spent standing respectfully in a flag line was time poorly spent. Rather, quite the opposite.

I'd encourage everyone to join up. If enough riders do, even if they can only attend occasionally, there would always be a good showing.

PS: You don't have to be a veteran. I'm not.

[rmw]

Just for the record, the PGR is not a riding club or any other club and never will be. The best way to understand its function is as an umbrella group that organizes missions to honor our solders and veterans at the request of their families. Any group or individuals are welcomed as long as they are willing to show respect to our military and veterans and follow our guidelines and the mision plan. You don't need a bike and you do not have to be a veteran.

PGR activities vary but are limited to things that benefit the military but first and foremost we exist to honor fallen solders and protect their families from protesters.

I became involved with the PGR in Jan 2006 about 3-4 months after the PGR was organized. I'm now what's called a Senior Ride Capt which means I'm responsible for all PGR activity within 11 counties in SW Indiana. There are people who miss-characterize us, especially the press where we've been called a veteran's group, motorcycle gang/club whatever as well as individuals who on their own, decide we should be something we are not.

I'll say this, funeral missions are not fun, rewarding on a personal level as well as being the right thing to do but not fun and anyone whose heart isn't in it for the right reasons won't last. Tomorrow I'll be up at 5 AM to leave on my bike at 6 AM in 29 degree temps to ride 60 miles to a veteran's funeral where we will stand a flag line and then escort the vet and his family to the cemetery 3 miles away. If that sounds like it is too much bother and not fun enough, then the PGR probably isn't where people want to look for riding companions. With us, it isn't the bikes, it isn't the ride, it is always all about our military and veterans. People who are active in the PGR are driven from within that has nothing to do with riding motorcycles.

If on the other hand you want to participate and ride with a group that has recieved presidential, several congressional, senate citatons and special recognition from virtually every state in the country as well as awards of recognition from hundreds of military units and you have emense respect for those who serve, then by all means, please join us.

[gat803]

Well said, Rick.