To some extent yes; its a social past-time for me these days as much as riding is enjoyable. I used to do more solo miles when I had a GS than a Dook but that would always involve nipping to a place where I knew likley some bikers would be or passing by a mates house so I could nip in for a coffee
+1 I find riding in a group a bit of a drag really. Its okay for the odd trip, but I like just getting out there and going when and where I damn well fell like it
There's a lot to be said for that. I also find other riders want to do different things and make quite different decisions out on the road. It's good fun at times though! More than about 4 bikes can be a nightmare though. But again, can be huge fun on occasion. I'm heading to the NW200 in May with my old man and brother and we've ridden together loads over the years but not for a while. And also two of my best mates are coming, one is relatively inexperienced, the other has only just passed his test. Will be interesting! Sorry for the thread drift. Andy
If you look at the ages of people on here, we are nearly all middle-aged (grim expression,that). Think about all the other things you are supposed to be doing before you are allowed to ride your bike. Most people live with someone else, and most of those someone elses probably don't participate in the Ducati hobby, so it's all "stolen time". When I was a bit younger, I didn't have a house (I lived in a cardboard box) so consequently, I had (a) much fewer chores to do (like maintain a large garden) and (b) more incentive for getting out on my bike. I'm quite happy to spend time in my garden now (just as well) and also, I have been pretty much everywhere within riding distance if I'm going to come back in the same day. What really interests me is having two days riding with an overnight but this doesn't happen much because (a) chores (be) stolen time and (c) expense. I doubt that my scenario is especially atypical. I was doing about 12'000 km per season (in 6 months say) in the 90s, all for fun. Nowadays it can't be more than a third of that.
I'm very much a solo rider. I might meet up with a few bikers every now and then, and usually take my brother or some mates on tour, but the rest of my time riding I don't want to be disturbed - it's 'me' time. Glidd, consider the singletons like me. I've got no-one to cook or clean for me, I have to do it all in fig towers, but I still find time to hit the road.
Dry no salt and 11c the bike is coming out they are not just for looking at ! might see bit of winter sun aswell Richie
Tank full of V-power 100 miles trip into wales via j&s and woods not a fan of the new paint on the SE went a bit cold on the way back but home now for the footie, come on man u ! A lot of bikes out today Richie
