Forum > MSTA Sanctioned Event Reports

Fall Colors 2015

<< < (11/13) > >>

normkern:

--- Quote from: Patmo on October 16, 2015, 10:36:37 AM ---Norm...

.while I agree with you that the leader must be able to navigate, I do have to disagree with you about "needing" a GPS to do so......even though I do have one now, and am making "friends" with it, LOL.  The ability to read a map has helped me navigate thousands of miles over the years without needing or using a GPS.  I realize that the GPS is the wave of the future, but a basic knowledge of how to read a map is still a basic need if one hopes to develop and use routes.

--- End quote ---

Leading a ride involves extra distractions and responsibilities.  There's the distraction of making sure other riders are collected at turns, making sure everyone in the group gets around slower traffic etc. On the responsibility side, errors in navigation require everyone to turn around when a road dead ends or turns into a dual-sport route. The penalty for navigation errors is magnified when there are more riders in the group. I want to enjoy the ride even though I am leading. The GPS with route info and voice prompts when a turn is coming up is a big plus, just as the BT intercom gives me additional eyes and ears to know when to slow down or wait.

Bottom line- A GPS with the route loaded makes leading a ride more enjoyable and less stressful for me.

Norm Kern

DirtFlier:
A GPS with the days' route also helps those who get separated in a new & strange area.  With a GPS and the route, there is no need to panic - just follow the purple line on the screen!   

When I'm at an event, I usually put the hotel in as one of my "Favorites" so if during the day, I feel like heading back to the barn, it's simple. 

brider:
As someome that spends a lot of time lost I just go with plan b.  If you never know where you are going you will always make good time getting there.  I live by this and yet there are fools that follow me.

wardie:
Okay since my comment seemed to have started this whole ride thing I'll state my thoughts with no malice or intent towards anyone. I appreciate Norms comments , and can understand about selected riders in a group. I was a little put off because no one asked me during any of the conversation that night about my skill set. For all any of you know I could be a Valentino Rossi or a Squid. For many years I crossed this country riding with only two other guys and seldom if any rode with others because we like to curve and twist the wrist, many don't keep up and I didn't want to hold hands so to speak.. So everything Norm said was understandable and I would agree. Personally I don't know any of you (except Steve)  and have no idea if you can keep up with me if needed... but my buddy ( a new MSTA member) wanted to try group riding so as unaccustomed as I am to asking to be a part of a group ride I went to you and asked. The reason I asked you Norm was because someone was kind enough to point you out as a ride leader and to speak to you.

My only concern that night was to make sure my buddy and a new MSTA member would enjoy himself at FCR. If to him riding in a group to a cool destination was a positive experience then he would want to do more of this rally thing. I had hoped to latch on with your group Norm but due to the reasons you stated the group ride wasn't possible.

I do hope that on some of these events there is a way for new or newer members to gain some experience by tagging along on some group rides where it is possible.

Thank you gentlemen for all weighing in , much appreciated everyone's comments. Larry aka Wardie

Ohiomsta:

--- Quote from: brider on October 16, 2015, 05:14:14 PM ---As someome that spends a lot of time lost I just go with plan b.  If you never know where you are going you will always make good time getting there.  I live by this and yet there are fools that follow me.

--- End quote ---

Yep I'm one of the fools that follow you. We seem to always get there, always find some great roads and seem to make good time. We do it with only 2 rules, wait at the next turn and don't run into each other. Works for us!
Jon Sr.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page