I don't get much of a chance to do a lot of rideouts, 'cos I work awkard shifts, but me and Mrs B have managed one or two. We met up with Groucherino and a few others last year, and did the X9OC ride this year with Waldorf, Steve, Deeping and JimR, and a few others. Both times the pace was reasonable, no need to tear about just to stay with the group, and decent routes. Enjoyed 'em both a lot. '

On the other hand, I went on a rideout with an 'alleged' Trad scooter club, and they were going like stink most of the time - 125's with 300cc engine fitted! The riding left a lot to be desired too, all over the road, sometimes 3 abreast, stupid overtakes etc, and these weren't young riders either, mostly mid 40's and older. Didn't stay long!

It's not necessarily about engine size either - IIRC Poldark was on the X9OC ride on his 125, and he kept up ok. I also agree with Deeping about a cuppa and a bag of chips, Not all of us want, or can afford overnight stays.

Probably one of the hardest parts is organising these things, but when someone does set something up, and has to cancel, or it doesn't go exactly to plan, there is always somebody ready to criticise, usually the ones who don't want to do anything about it. That's enough to put anyone off organising.

So there we have it. Active members disappearing. A site that has been taken over by moaners and chatters - are the two things linked? Frustrated riders looking for other options for Ride Outs.

Pikey, who I know is a very active rider, says it’s always been like this, in fact maybe calmed down. Well as a comparative newby it seems such a shame that the result is a good natured forum with apparently declining interest. It’s got to be linked with a loss of the fundamental reason for the forum - Scooter riding. If you just want to chat aimlessly use Face Book. By the way what happened to the Maxi Touring site?

Every time I meet a potential “member” I mention the site. A couple have looked at it and say not for me. Why? “Not enough happening”. I cannot believe that such great Bikes as Maxi Scoots can’t do better than this.

Halfabusa – why not do it yourself, look at the Muppet Map and find a couple of locals, start your own group as I describe. Chippie do the same. If Pikey came on board and we each got 4 local riders, that’s the basis for a very good meet up somewhere. It’s not hard - I’ve put more effort into this thread than I have to in getting a local ride out going. Text and email works best supported by this site.

Burgerman – theres a couple of other Guys in your area. Why not get in touch? We went up to meet Ginge at Pocklington and had a great time. If you’re interested we will come to meet up with you. It’s an easy ride to your area. You put a circular ride together and it’s a great opportunity for us to meet up. There’s very few reasons why an overnight stay is needed.

Masterchop - start small with a couple of locals within 30 minute of a central point and start a local riders group.

Without being over ambitious start with local rides on a monthly basis that can lead to area meets and then to a national. Success breeds success.

Gerard c for primeminister!!.... then it'll be free Bacon sarnis and 90mph limit for all maxi riders.

By the way what happened to the Maxi Touring site?

Its shut down we just use a closed facebook group (you can ask to join) no big tours this year just a 4 day Devon Cornwall tour and Mikes having a birthday weekend early sept in Forest of Dean.

Definately count me out Fingers, i ride at my speeds, no one elses. If you recall, the last time i was on a ride, and leading, i had to keep slowing down so the group could keep up! Meldrew, "Calm down dear" everyone has an opinion.

I was being a tad sarcastic Roy... you had to be there as they say lol

In the General Forum area 50% of the headings deal with Ride Outs - Advertised Ride Outs and Meets and Pictures of Ride Out and Meets. Now to me that says the intention of the Forum is pretty much focused on the Fun of Ride Outs and Meets.
If they die off then doesn't this mean something has been lost?

I am still trying to understand why people who have no interest in group activity show so much interest in this section. Obviously anyone can look at any section, I can look at a post regarding the Giggling Valves on a Yamahonduki 350 out of curiosity, but I wouldn’t post a comment if I wasn't interested in the subject.

I have real admiration for the people like Sylar and Meldrew who do their own thing. If that’s their choice, then good luck to them, but this is about riding in a group and enjoying the experience with like minded people.

Meldrew is right there isn't a lot of Forums for our choice of ride, if that’s the case then we should be asking ourselves why their appears to be a declining interest in a key area of activity - again 50% of main topics relate to the subject. If something isn't done to address the issue then the site will decline further until it’s just a chat room for slagging people off.

A Forum must be interesting and relevant to its members.

Let’s put some creative effort in on this. There’s still time before the Winter to get some good stuff in.

I remember there used to be a little caravan back in the 60’s that sold tea and biscuits at Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale and I think a little way back into Bradford was the Tomato Dip – is it still there?

Maybe a monthly meet organised could solve all this?
Nobody need organise because it would be set in stone when and where it is?

Maybe a north and a south venue on alternate fortnights?

Although I've never been on a ride out, but I really would love too!

eastanglian