I think you right Meldrew with organising rideouts or trips in my case you get fed up of trying thats what happens .

Meldrew wrote:Actually I wouldn't have posted anything until I read the bit where Pikey mentioned my name, and realised that the Peter you were on about was Henry C. You're right I probably went a post too far on this, but should you really be discussing the current rider apathy to ride outs with Henry C ?

As for organising things I've done a few in Cumbria in my biking days, I've organised Lake District camping weekends but stopped doing them when I found out one or two idiots were packing up early and sneaking away to avoid paying the site owner. A bunkhouse weekend at Windermere was spoiled for the majority by a small group that couldn't manage to get their arses aligned with a toilet bowl, or vomited everywhere after a few beers. After that I lost interest and anyway isn't riding over to Cumbria and the Lakes a bit too far for you. A trip to the Lakeland Motor Museum, and a Lakes camping weekend bit the dust because no one made the effort, and if you want to ride over Hardknott and Wrynose Passes or hang out at Devils Bridge why do you need someone to organise it, just go.

Why on earth would I discuss rider apathy - its not a convention - its a ride out. And anyway what difference does it make if I did. Peter, (or Henry C), knows what things are like as regards apathy as the Burgman site has serious problem. At least on the Muppets we do something.

I think it is an occupational hazard of organising anything that you must expect a certain degree of "drop outs". I think the solution is to do what we have done. Put together a riders group. Use the forum for wider publicity but use text or private email for rapid contact. Our group has about 10 -12 people in the "list" who I text with the ideas, ranging from a quick meet up for a chat to a Ride Out round North Yorks. Out of the group theres normally up to 5 or 6 who can make it. A nice number where we can all watch out for each other. Because we bring partners as well its social and the bad behavoir just doesn't happen, or hasn't yet and given our average age it probably won't! (Unless Alans Bacon Butty is served cold), If you or anyone took the trouble to get in contact with some local riders and just got started then it falls into place. Then what happens is that because you become Mates, its easier to get together for longer trips even possibly National Meets. All someone has to do is take that first step - don't expect hundreds, 2 or 3 is enough to get started. You only have to look at the interest any posted Ride Out generates to see the potential.

As I have pointed out, you are a lone Wolf but most of us aren't. We enjoy being together with like minded enthusiasts. Its not organised at the base level - It's simply suggested. A National Meet is organised a meet for a brew isn't.

Its just a guess but I would suggest that the Northern Riders get together more than any other area. If I'm wrong then let me know we will come and join you for a meet.

Whilst I wouldn't mind a camping trip, SWMBO will not consider it. What the Goldwing club does is negotiate a good rate in decent hotels. I am not suggesting that for everyone of course but a mixture of camping and hotels would, I suspect appeal to more Muppets. I'd look into it if there was enough interest.

Too far for us to come to the Lakes? Thats a bit low Matey. Two of us ride every Saturday with the IAM always up to 100 miles and more if the weather is fine. I know others ride there Bikes every day come rain or shine. We are going to Norfolk on a three day trip for Gods sake. I come up to the Lakes area on business on the Scoot. I work full time but I bet on an available free time basis I ride my bike more than most.

It is a real pity that you had such a poor response and experience previously because that trip to the Lakeland Museum sounds right up our street. Would there be a reasonably priced B and B you know of?

Just for Meldrew, these were stickers I had when I left the trad Scooter club I was in.

Pikey is right, there is no bad feeling, any mention of it is only banter in good humour.

I think Henry C didn't like the general spam, swearing and banter on here which is understandable if you want a primarily technical site... doesn't sound much fun though

Earl i like that decal-patch. I was toying with getting one but, i don't like to join anything, even my own club. Do they do a badge for "Billy no mates" apparantly i would qualify for that as well.If you ride alone, and prefer it, it seems there must be something wrong with you.

Sylar wrote:Earl i like that decal-patch. I was toying with getting one but, i don't like to join anything, even my own club. Do they do a badge for "Billy no mates" apparantly i would qualify for that as well.If you ride alone, and prefer it, it seems there must be something wrong with you.

I enjoy both Roy... I went to the Stormin of the Castle bike rally this weekend and really enjoyed the ride up with 11other bikers... enjoyed their company over the weekend... however I had to leave early sunday morning to go to work, and I equally enjoyed being a 'lone wolf' on the way home.

As a general footnote,... and not aimimg at you Roy lol.... but there seems to be quite alot of people on here lately that quite rightly express their opinion on things in general... but will not even contemplate that someone elses opinion can also be valid, and argue the toss...quote and twist figures that theyve obviously read from a magazine or two under their duvet by torchlight, rather than even beginning to accept another mans view who had , for instance, actually ridden a machine, or have industry knowledge as they are a specialist in that field.... and quite honestly its getting a bit boring.... and thats my opinion for what its worth, ! rant over

I go for a Waggon Wheel and a

Fingers, i did enjoy our ride out last time, i must admit i was surprised that you were with me all the way even though you were on a new bike and and a smaller one (in cc's than mine). The only differance is, most of my riding is alone, i prefer it that way. The odd time i do go with others there is usually something i'm not happy about, so I don't want to be a member of any group, gang, or club. I say good luck to the people that want that but, it's not for me.