Bike Rides

Weather permitting we go every Saturday with a group of 2-8 motorcycles. Everyone is in their late 50's to mid 60's. We have every make. Harleys, Honda's, Suzuki's, Yamaha's, Kawasaki's and BMW's. We have most every type too. Touring, Sport Touring, Cruisers, but no sport bikes right now.

About every Tue or Wed I check the weekend internet weather, watchful for winds and rain. If it maybe inclement we stay near the city. Sometimes we only go to breakfast in a car if it is really bad. The Spring can be the worst, with winds over 20 mph make it hard to ride safely. But 70-80% of the time we get out of the city.

Then we go as far as possible. The farthest with a group of 5 is Hillsboro in the Gila's. About 175 miles one way. A small group of 2-3 can make it to Silver City then east over the Gila's, is a 400 miles. Stops with larger groups takes longer and limits how far we can go. Also cold weather shortens rides too, under 50 degrees.

Most rides are 90 miles one way. That includes: Sierra Blanca, Columbus, Las Cruses, Dell City, Alamagordo. Sometimes further to Hatch, Deming, Guadalupes, Ruidoso and Van Horn.

Then very hot weather slows us down too, over 100 degrees. We start as soon as 7:30 am and try to be home by 2:00 pm. Later summer brings on the late afternoon thunderstorms. So using futurecast storm tracking helps us know which way to go.

I have wind speed and direction indicators. I try to go into the wind in the morning, so afternoon rides are going with the wind when we are more tired.

I usually lead the group out front. If someone I know needs more rest breaks and have several places we can stop. Even just sitting on a M/C can be tiring with wind, engine and road vibrations causing fatigue. Many times we have split up if someone is getting tired or has afternoon commitments.

The guys are very patient with slower riders, waiting at the next turn for everyone to catchup.

I live for our Sat. rides and have had parties from this group when the wives can come. (But they are welcome anytime) A few of us retirees ride during the week. New members are always welcome too.

Our Number One Rule is: It's OK to pass another member, but do it SAFELY! That's so we have fun and come home too.