I just finished viewing the pictures from the Pacific Northwest Meet put on by Kiethbob and wow what a great time yall had up there - I really looked hard at attending that event, but alas the ride to made it prohibitive (2 weeks vacation instead of just needing one). I really love attending motorcycle meets as opposed to huge rallys for the comeradrie and the sheer fun of riding with kindred spirits. Sometimes it ends a bit of tradegdy, I have attended 2 sport-tourung.net meets and there were crashes in both, one was rather serious, and I happened to have been leading the ride at the time. I blamed myself for pacing a bit too fast but really we all are on our own bikes, and we have individual control over our own rides. It is important to have fun AND be safe! Sure riding is risky and riding in groups is too but without risk what would be the thrill of riding a motorcycle in the first place?

I see riding in groups as more of a plus than a minus, first off your with people who enjoy the same thing you do! Riding that is, having something in common like that is great! Then you have support from other riders, God forbid somebody should go down there is someone there to help you and seek assistance if need be. Riding with others makes you ride better, time and time again I have improved my riding skills by riding with those of more experience or with better technique than I and so I have learned how to ride better.

This year I was lucky enough to attend the TexasMac ride and so enjoyed one of the best rides of my life last may, both with the group and the adventure of getting there as well, I saw the south for what it really is a place of great diversity and hospitality - just as the saying goes. Now I have the opportunity to again head south at the pleasure of the VFRD Fall Dragon ride comming up soon next month and I cant wait! It is an opportunity I cant waste nor would I want to, and it is all made possible by the folks here at VFRD! I am greateful for this and would like to attend as many of these wonderful events as possible, thats what I really love doing, meeting the folks I read about on this very site everyday and making new riding buddies!

Be safe out there and enjoy yourself on your bike!