I probably have more saddle time in group rides than solo, both as Chaplin and Road Captain, on Harleys, in the CMA and Faith Riders. All rides began with a prayer and a safety talk, that included a re-cap of the group riding rules. All rides ended safely, except one. In this case, an injury occurred as a result of a broken rule. The rule she broke was, "ride your own ride." She thought she had to maintain a set distance between herself and the rider to her front, regardless if that required taking curves at a higher speed than she was comfortable with. She straightened a curve and smacked a tree. Had to be air-lifted out and still has a bad limp, ten years later. She later told me she thought ride your own ride meant one a bike she owned. I faulted myself for not asking if everyone understood the rules and what they meant. I made that my closing statement, there after, each safety talk. As far as what one should wear, well body armor is good and a must on rockets, but bike riding is all about freedom, TO ME, and that includes what I wear. My only rule on that was Helmets , (DOT approved) ALWAYS, shorts or barefoot NEVER. I doubt that many here will agree with any of this, but it's worked well for me for the pass 63 years and counting. If it ain't broke, don't fix it till it is.
