This is an update on the Northern Riders Group - for those that don't know, maybe just joined or simply thought - "what's that all about"?

There's 25 members in the group - Furthest North - Northallerton, Furthest South - South Leicestershire.

The aim is to get together riders of any type of Bike, (although it's mainly Maxis), who like to ride out in company.

There's no structure it's just a loose grouping.

How it works is simple.

Using the free texts on my mobile I send out a personal text to all members with details of the latest planned outing. Anything from a meet up with a local Trad Scoot Club to a weekend away.

Members who are interested respond by text. Those that aren't don't. Its a simple plan.

(Although I do get a few texts from members who have to work or whatever regretting that they can't come).

Anyway meet points are agreed and off we go. All we ask is that if you say you're coming and then can't or change your mind - let me know. Simply so that we don't wait around for you. If its wet or too cold then that's fine, but let us know. It really isn't a problem.

All I need is your mobile number. It is never disclosed to any one else without your permission.

If you want to organise your own run out, (and please do), then drop me a text and I will circulate the details.

Similarly if you have an idea for anything the same applies.

These are the members and their approximate locations. Apologies to Zoom Zoom and Solo, for the life of me I can't remember your Alter Ego's. If anyone's on here and doesn't want to be then let me know.

Ady - Northallerton
Alan - Wakefield
Alan - Sheffield
Alan - South Leicestershire
Frank - Manchester
Chris - Leeds
Chris - Harrogate
Clive - Denby Dale
Clive - Mansfield
David - Rochdale - New
Dave - Flockton
Gerard - Wakefield
Ginge - Scunthorpe ish but nearer Grimsby
Jim - Chesterfield
Liam - Derbyshire
Mark - Lepton
Paul - Tingley
Paul - Sheffield
Peter - Wakefield
Phil - Dewsbury
Rob - Leeds
Rod - South Lincs - I stand corrected!
Rod - Leicester
Richard - Nr Scunthorpe / Thorne - New
Solo - Leeds
Steve - Doncaster
Steve - Dewsbury
Victor - Nottinghamshire
Zoom Zoom - Stoke

This group has taken about 6 months to get to this stage. Practically every weekend there's something happening. Sometimes its just 3 or 4 of us, others its up to 10 - and that's in Winter. Roll on Spring and Summer. Its very good humoured and social. I better point out that it helps if you aren't on a diet. A few of us bring pillion riders so feel free to do the same.

Looking at the list, I think its open for another group using the same concept based around the East Midlands. Any takers? Who knows with a few groups like this anything could happen.

If you want to be part of it then send me a personal message.

it's Rod in South Lincs not Rob, unless there is another

Any chance we could add a sub forum like the mini muppets so we can keep track on things Admin?

ady wrote:Any chance we could add a sub forum like the mini muppets so we can keep track on things Admin?

WHAT? If you aint interested in what Geralds doing don't complicate things keep your post to your self. If you are interested
in what he's doing read the post dead easy. Yet another Muppets[gerald] who going out of his way to try and connect us all.
If you want to create a sub forum do it your self you never know if you make enough effort you might get some interest
hope Iv'e not spoke out of order or stood on any toes {gerards] if I have

chippie wrote:

ady wrote:Any chance we could add a sub forum like the mini muppets so we can keep track on things Admin?

WHAT? If you aint interested in what Geralds doing don't complicate things keep your post to your self. If you are interested
in what he's doing read the post dead easy. Yet another Muppets[gerald] who going out of his way to try and connect us all.
If you want to create a sub forum do it your self you never know if you make enough effort you might get some interest
hope Iv'e not spoke out of order or stood on any toes {gerards] if I have

I think you were there when it was talked about chippie?; on the Melton Mowbray ride out!, 1 of the many I have been on with Gerard, creating a sub forum on here is something i cant do...or at least on most forums it is only possible for a moderator or admin to create sub forums.
I think I can see where my post has been misinterpreted though and just to clear it up I was thinking a sub forum just like we have mini muppets, burgman and the T-max sub forum...or is it not called that?
After typing this 3 times i will leave it at that

Is any Southern muppets up to do what the Northern muppets are doing
I Mean down South way,

I want to do a pie and mash meet at some point hopefully

richie the 1st wrote:Is any Southern muppets up to do what the Northern muppets are doing
I Mean down South way,

Well look at the Ace Cafe run thread. No takers at all.

People moan when there's no meets, but never come to any or many or organise themselves one.

pikey wrote:I want to do a pie and mash meet at some point hopefully

They'll be another one next year, hopefully not with all the flooding we had this year!

I think the secret of the Northern Riders Group's success is the text notification. Because we can set something up very quickly - or cancel quickly, members can make their mind up and let us know they are coming at short notice. A lot of people understandably want to see what the weather is doing or indeed if they can spare the time on that day. Putting a long notification of a ride out on the forum is great - but I don't know what I am doing on the second Sunday in May 2013 - do you? Although I might say I want to come, if it turns out I have to work or something else happens then I won't be able to make it. Rather than let anybody down I am reluctant to commit, or I make some vague comment that I might be able to come which isn't condusive to a active ride. The organiser then gets pissed off because of apparent apathy. Keeping it short and simple works best.

Last Sunday was a classic case. No one had made any commitment to the Toy Run until very close to the time then theres 4 of us actually go. A couple more said they were interested but might have other stuff to deal with. Which is absolutely fair enough at this time of year.

I predict that if someone voluteered to act as a focal point in an area to run the text service you would find a core of local riders who woud register very quickly. You only need 3 or 4 to start with. People drop in and out as they feel like it, its no big deal as long as they agree to let you know if they change their mind and can't make it.