group rides and the rebel

[imarebelrider]

so there's a chance that come July, i will be going on a group ride down to Ohio . . from Michigan . . IF i'm physically ready to go, i really really want to do the ride . . but i do have a few concerns . .

how do you deal with a group of various riders and bikes knowing that our Rebels will pretty much determine the speed and number of stops that will be taken on that ride?

should this even be a concern?

[glw]

It is the responsibility of the ride organizers to make sure that the group stays together and leaves no one behind. So, no, it should not be your concern. Unfortunately some ride organizers do not fully live up to their responsibilities.
The Rebel does have a small tank. Many of the larger bikes have tanks that are almost twice as large. But those bikes also get half the gas mileage of the Rebel. So you probably won't be the determining factor in how often to stop for gas.

[rcoolbaugh]

I recently took a trip at highway speeds (65 - 75) and after 145 miles I still hadn't hit the reserve. I got a bit over 75 mpg on that trip and I'm not small (6'1" - 210).


If they keep it to speed limit or 5 to 10 over you should be okay.

[uneasyrider]

Newbie riders SHOULD be near the FRONT of the pack.

Howard

[MattD]

If the ride's well organized, they will put the newer riders in front so they can set the pace. This way, nobody gets left behind. I agree with everybody else on the Rebel's range being as good as most any other bike. Last group ride I went on had over 200 local bikes together. Some of the sponsoring group's people blocked off key traffic points so the flow of bikes was steady. Several stops were planned for gas, drinks, etc. It was way too much fun! So, yeah do the group ride, you'll have a ball!

One other thing,, I think the group ride is the safest ride also. Cagers may miss seeing me on occasion when I ride alone, but it's hard to miss 200 bikes all lined up and rollin'!

[GearJammer]

Group rides can either be a very good experience or a nightmare, but rarely anywhere in between.

As mentioned, hopefully, you've got solid ride coordinators, Road Captain, etc. who'll take into account the various needs of everyone on the Run.

Enjoy! and Ride Safe........ :wink:

[spit66]

Hi. Has anyone replaced the seat on their Rebel for something a little more comfortable - that maybe gives you a liitle more room stretch your legs? There don't seem to be any vendors out there who make Rebel seats...

[imarebelrider]

thanks for everyones comments and suggestions!! i'm really hoping i'm ready in time for this ride. i'm pretty sure that i'll know everyone that will be going, so they'll also be fully aware of my experience or lack thereof ;) . . . and they are a really great group of people . . . so i'm sure it'll turn out great . . . i'll be sure to let y'all know how it goes! :)

[jsonder]

Hi. Has anyone replaced the seat on their Rebel for something a little more comfortable - that maybe gives you a liitle more room stretch your legs? There don't seem to be any vendors out there who make Rebel seats...

I wound up removing the metal plate at the back of the seat, and, for me, that alone has been a BIG improvement.

You simply remove the seat; pull staples out to "undo" the seat cover material on the back half of the seat; pull it over the foam ; go in along the seat base (part that mounts onto bike; and "skin out" the dang plate (sort of like filleting a fish to take out the backbone but leave the meat -- you want to lose as little foam as possible).

The plate looks like this when it is removed:

http://members.cox.net/holdingpen/plate.jpg

[wheezeburnt]

Deanna:
Since you say you'll know everyone on the ride, I assume its not one of those monstrous 50 - 500 participant rides. I find 6 about the maximum for my tastes, but given the fact that monster rides do attract huge numbers, well, as we used to say about the manure pile, 10,000 flies can't be wrong. Personally, I cannot imagine going on a monster ride without at least a year's riding experience. I've been riding since '68, and have yet to take part in one. I enjoy watching them go by; they're an amazing site. If I end up BEHIND one, I just change my route.

Anyway, in a smaller group, you can ensure that everyone DOES appreciate your novice status and your smaller tank. Its a good idea if you can give folks an idea of how fast you are willing/comfortable to ride. Like "I dont' want to go over 55mph" or "I'm not willing to exceed the speed limit". And DO give them an idea of the cruising range of your tank. One of my bikes can easily go 350 km (220miles) on a tank, but my wife's 450 gets thirsty in half that distance.

I'm sure you'll have a great time. Besure to report back
brent