There's nothing like a ride with close friends, many hours on back roads flying through hills, valleys and fast straights. A symphony of riders dancing at speed, total trust in your wingman. Do you have faith in the people you ride with? I guess finding pals to ride with is like finding the girl of your dreams. When everything is right all is bliss, however when the match is wrong all can go to hell.
Pulling up on a pack of unfamiliar riders at the local hangout is like a gunfighter walking into a saloon for the first time, eyes glare, the conversation quiets and the Mariachi's stop playing, your bike and gear are scrutinized... better look good. I like to trip all over myself and speak in tongues, keeps the riff-raff away. The Alpha Clan (fast dudes) all have the nice bikes and gear to match, the bugs on the gear and grime on the bike are from the day's run, otherwise they are cleaned like a soldier's weapon after every use. Following the fast dudes are the up and comers (riders wanting to prove their merit), the bikes are a little older or brand spanking new, with the exception of a little rash where it "fell over in the garage". The leathers also show some wear-though; how it got there will take a few questions over pints. Finally there are the Wanna-Be's, new to riding far and fast with a group. Their bikes are older and it shows, gear is an option with these guys, after all their money was spent on the bike.
On a organized run the order by which the riders leave is usually done without discussion; everyone knows where they stand. Like convicts in the chow line, you'll get nudged if you are in the way... bitch. When running with unknown bikers the order of the ride can be a dangerous dance. The only way to find out where you belong is to run with the clan, for the first few miles times can get hairy. As the turns come up the distances change between riders, variables are calculated differently by all. The style of bike and rider shows by the lines they take. It's easy to tell who knows what they're doing by the first few miles in. Beware the erratic rider crossing lines. By now the fast guys are gone, the pecking order is being fought by up and comers for mid-pack, sometimes the wanna-be's take themselves out going over their head trying to catch and surpass you. To canyon race is to take big risks and is very very dangerous, make peace with your maker, you may see her sooner than you think.
So you're on a fast run with your mates, flying along a short straight, then zoom at your left either a brave or suicidal rider comes along side to take you... fool. As you and your wingman look incredulously, up and comer just realized the error of his ways by slamming on the blinders, target fixating at the drainage ditch and off he goes. Like a seasoned vet with green troops, if he's not dead you keep running, the wanna-be's will gather him up. If he survives for more runs then you care... tough love. For an alpha fast guy to go down takes the unexpected, black ice is bad but a deer or large bull really ruins your day. Being an alpha rider means the guys around you have on site repair skills and tools to get you home. To lose a good warrior takes a heavy toll on all involved.
Nothing is certain in life and when a fast guy goes down we all reflect on the event. Like a soldier running point, a mine is only a step away. After a mishap they weigh in - which one approaches the situation also tells how long they've been running. The seasoned fast guy can ride any form of trashed bike home, if it doesn't leak and one of the brakes works then the pace is still good. Riders with less battle experience seem shell shocked and want a truck ride home, understandable, but not practical. To ride wounded takes grit. A racer will know this... after a large crash, you either run towards the bike or the wall after the fall. If you run towards the wall you're done... get it. Nerves of steel and a strong will are needed.
So the ride is done and you're at the pub for a well earned pint. This is where the day's events are gone over and the decisions as to who can ride well are made. Hopefully everyone gets home safely. If you pissed off an experienced rider you'll hear of it and if you ride well the complements for the comrades really bolster your confidence. As time goes on if you ride enough you become an expert at riding fast in a pack. Running fast and smooth is what riding is really all about, right/ Be aware of the challenges you make upon the clan you run with, remember there's always someone faster.
~Cheers, Alx