How Not To Group Ride

I would hope a moderator would put this article in a conspicuous place. This is crazy. "Brother Speed Motorcycle Gang" Pictures below, the Oregonian has very little else to say so far. Stay tuned


2 dozen motorcycles crash on I-5 in Ore.
(AP) � 15 hours ago

WILSONVILLE, Ore. � Oregon State Police say more than two dozen motorcycles, most of them belonging to the Brother Speed motorcycle club, crashed on Interstate 5 on Friday afternoon, blocking freeway traffic for hours.

Police say the bikers were behind a car when traffic slowed in the northbound lanes near Wilsonville, south of Portland.

They say the bikers and car tried to slow but collided, scattering bikes across the pavement.

The Oregonian in Portland reports that two bikers with critical injuries were flown to Portland hospitals by helicopter. Rescue personnel say seven others were treated for shoulder and hip injuries and broken bones.

The freeway reopened about 6 p.m., nearly four hours after the accident.

Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com

I found a slide show of the accident: http://www.kptv.com/...318/detail.html

Guys,
Far be it from me to be judgmental....but any takers on them not riding in a  staggard formation....
Rod
p.s.
many clubs ride next to one another..2x2 as it were....I prefer to be to the opposite side of t he man
{or woman} ahead of me...
rod

Sorry for being harsh but there must have been at least 20 morons riding in that group.   When we ride in a group we do our best to stagger riders and leave plenty of distance between each other so that shit like this doesn't happen.  I understand that accidents will happen but I just can't imagine 2 dozen bikers all going down in the same incident.  Motorcycles have superior acceleration and braking compared to other vehicles and if you are a smart defensive rider you can often avoid dangers on the road by having an escape plan always running through your head.

Regards,
Rollin

They were likely riding parade style. I am in Key West right now and it is bike weekend here and tons of the riders coming here do not stagger. I wince everyday driving in at the thought of what can happen and this just puts it in stark clarity.

by the name, i thought it was going to be a bunch of sport bike riding squids.....i didn't even think about cruisers.....wow...26 riders

Darwin prevails!!!

Muff

It is kind of odd it wasn't a sportbike group,  we had one on I-40 just about 8 weeks back that took out 13-14 bikes (the were traveling much faster I'd bet.)

Did you catch this in the story
"BROTHER SPEED M/C is a club that is serious about brotherhood, respect, riding fast and building choppers," the club writes on its Oregon Web site.


my guess is choppers without a front brake. :fing02:

oops just looked at the slide show, just looked like a pile-o-baggers,   but did you notice all those crazy skidmarks from the rear lockups, nuts.  If they were pulling the same stunt some of the "clubs" do around here they were parade doing about 80 maybe 1/4 second apart..... Yeah Darwin wins.  http://www.vfrdiscus...tyle_emoticons/default/smile.gif

Wow, I'm not the least bit surprised that it was a bunch of Harleys.

[image: View Post]JBAXX, on Sep 19 2009, 10:54 PM, said:

Wow, I'm not the least bit surprised that it was a bunch of Harleys.
harley or not, i don't like 2 +2 formation riding, never have, never will. stretch 'em out.   .   .    .    .     .    .    .   .

with plenty o' room

Any mention of saftey gear being used?  My first guess was a bunch of cruisers riding in two by two formation with joke riding apparel.  I feel bad for their pain and suffering but if you can't stop your bike in time to avoid a vehicle in front of you then you are following too close.  

Harley's are heavy and hard to stop even at reasonable hwy speeds.  They are also the worst possible choice for novice riders.  It only takes a few inexperienced riders in a parade formation to cause such a chain reaction.  It was bound to happen at some point.  Sadly it is bound to happen again unless these clubs wise up and vet their riders and formation riding practices.  Another disturbing trend are these RUBs who've talked their wives and girlfreinds into buying these awkward bikes so they can ride with them instead of having to ride them on the back.  It's a recipe for a soup sandwich.  A nicer term than Cluster F.

I sure they were wearing leather vests and sunglasses... that's more than enough gear isn't it?   :blink:

[image: View Post]covfrrider, on Sep 19 2009, 08:48 PM, said:

I sure they were wearing leather vests and sunglasses... that's more than enough gear isn't it?   :blink:

...and 'do-rags too!   :cool:

Sheep on bikes...Darwin wins is right

I thought you may like this A little insight?

check the vids I think the cause is pretty clear.

http://www.brothersp...rs-speed-videos

I saw this yesterday. I instantly thought of some local HD rides I go on.

I attend several MC charity events held at local harley dealers. The group from winston salem ride with some room to spare, they are mostly older guys with lots of experience. . All other harley group rides I have been on the riders are wheel to wheel. Too close for me. I fall into the back of the group. I rarely ride that close with people I have known for years.

Look at the road, 3 lanes, 2 shoulders, one pile of bikes. It's pretty obvious what happened. Even if a car cut them off and slammed on their brakes these guys didnt have a chance riding that close together. Everyone went to the left and caused a giant pile up.


Outlaw biker club. Does that mean they are 1%er's?

I hate to see any bad MC accident but come on dudes. One squrriel, one re-tread and it's a major acccident.

Godspeed to the injured.

[image: View Post]RollinAgain, on Sep 20 2009, 06:07 AM, said:

Motorcycles have superior acceleration and braking compared to other vehicles
Actually most cars, even the garden variety ones, can outbrake a motorcycle - especially a cruiser. It's the rubber on the road that makes the difference.

These guys didn't give themselves much of a chance. I imagine they'll do things a little different from now on.

This sort of thing is not really brand specific.  I see groups of riders on all brands and types of bike riding dangerously.  I rode with a M/C club for a bunch of years and we always rode staggered.  No exceptions.  Will this bunch learn?  Nah.  It will, as it seems most on bikes do, be blamed on a "cager" and have nothing to do with the riders behavior.  Live and learn?  hopefully, but I doubt it.  Just my $.02

That sucks for all involved.

It's a good thing I always ride in perfect formation, at the right speed, on a perfect line, avoiding all obstacles well in advance, predicting any anomalous driving events of all around me...

Oh except for the time the deer bolted in front of me, or the time the rider ahead of me grabbed a handful of brakes avoiding a squirrel (as he moved his bike across my line), or when I hit some gravel mid-curve, or that lady on the cell phone...

If I hadn't been the world's best driver, I might have gone down... :blink:

Next time you are blasting through a (semi) blind curve, scraping your hero pegs, think of these poor chaps...sh!t happens...

BI

"people who live in glass houses..."

The video does speak volumes.

Dozens of side by side 800+ pound bikes, with 300+ pound riders... No sleeves, no helmets on most.

[image: View Post]RE-Agent, on Sep 20 2009, 01:48 PM, said:

The video does speak volumes.

Dozens of side by side 800+ pound bikes, with 300+ pound riders... No sleeves, no helmets on most.
just too many bikes travelling way too close for speeds they were doing. they left themselves no way out whatsoever. it starts with a dumb idea (close formation) then gets worse.

I don't like riding in large groups period. .....Or joining and riding with strangers even in a remotely close formation of any kind.  

i especially dislike being out solo, suddenly hearing a bike and the guys is riding 2 feet diagonally behind me. i don't know your riding habits, you don't know mine....GIVE ME MY SPACE!

Sorry to hear about the hurt riders, but stupid is as stupid does.  Riding too closely in a non-staggered formation, and without minimal gear is a bad idea in the first place, let alone on bikes that don't handle or brake particularly well is a disaster waiting to happen.

And this is an uninformed, knee-jerk reaction but I bet of the riders in that gang, very few if any have any rider training at all.  http://www.vfrdiscus...tyle_emoticons/default/sad.gif

I saw a few folks on cruisers riding side-by-side this past weekend, and of course they had no protective gear on whatsoever.  I just shook my head.

P.S. - There was a big organized ride for charity (Akron Children's Hospital, I think) yesterday afternoon.  I was headed east, riding home from Dayton and saw hundreds of riders headed west near Akron.  Most were on HDs or other cruisers.  I spotted the group on the freeway, exiting from one freeway to another via a northbound ramp that I would conservatively say could be run at 50 mph minimum by a competent rider.  The group looked like it was doing about 20-30 mph instead.  I bet the whole ride went that way, too.

Honestly, I can't understand what makes people want to participate in a ride involving hundreds of riders, esp. when it moves so slow.  Sure it was for a good cause, but the ride is still ridiculous IMO.

[image: View Post]The Phantom, on Sep 20 2009, 04:14 AM, said:

[image: View Post]RollinAgain, on Sep 20 2009, 06:07 AM, said:

Motorcycles have superior acceleration and braking compared to other vehicles
Actually most cars, even the garden variety ones, can outbrake a motorcycle - especially a cruiser. It's the rubber on the road that makes the difference.

These guys didn't give themselves much of a chance. I imagine they'll do things a little different from now on.

From the Oregon Department of Justice

Brother Speed MC

Established: May 1969 in Boise, Idaho, United States
Years active: 1969-present
Territory: Northwestern United States
Ethnicity: White
Membership: 150 full-patch members
Criminal activities: Drug trafficking, arms dealing, extortion and money laundering
Allies: Free Souls, Gypsy Jokers and Outsiders
Rivals: Mongols and Vagos

I don't think they're too concerned about gear, rider safety courses or riding in a safe manner.   :blink:    :cool:

Although I'll admit the DOJ may be stretching to call them a gang...

[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on Sep 21 2009, 01:53 PM, said:

[image: View Post]The Phantom, on Sep 20 2009, 04:14 AM, said:

[image: View Post]RollinAgain, on Sep 20 2009, 06:07 AM, said:

Motorcycles have superior acceleration and braking compared to other vehicles
Actually most cars, even the garden variety ones, can outbrake a motorcycle - especially a cruiser. It's the rubber on the road that makes the difference.

These guys didn't give themselves much of a chance. I imagine they'll do things a little different from now on.

From the Oregon Department of Justice

Brother Speed MC

Established: May 1969 in Boise, Idaho, United States
Years active: 1969-present
Territory: Northwestern United States
Ethnicity: White
Membership: 150 full-patch members
Criminal activities: Drug trafficking, arms dealing, extortion and money laundering
Allies: Free Souls, Gypsy Jokers and Outsiders
Rivals: Mongols and Vagos

I don't think they're too concerned about gear, rider safety courses or riding in a safe manner. :happy:    :fing02:

Although I'll admit the DOJ may be stretching to call them a gang...
Hmmmm. any chance it was a couple of Moguls or Vagos driving the SUVs that braked suddenly?

covfrrider, on Sep 19 2009, 10:48 PM, said: I sure they were wearing leather vests and sunglasses... that's more than enough gear isn't it?   I call what those types of riders wear "costumes" .  Usually the Hardley guys, everything has to say Harley.  The sunglasses, the vest held together buy a few chains, the belt buckle, the t shirt and the boots. They put their costume on and then ride to the bar, park and drink, then ride home. I actually supprised that this doesn't happen as frequently as railroad accidents, which is every few minutes. Amazing how cool wins over smart so often!   I'm sure most have seen this, but it never gets old!

[image: View Post]Luvmyvfr, on Sep 21 2009, 11:01 PM, said:

[image: View Post]covfrrider, on Sep 19 2009, 10:48 PM, said:

I sure they were wearing leather vests and sunglasses... that's more than enough gear isn't it? :dry:
I call what those types of riders wear "costumes" . Usually the Hardley guys, everything has to say Harley. The sunglasses, the vest held together buy a few chains, the belt buckle, the t shirt and the boots. They put their costume on and then ride to the bar, park and drink, then ride home.

Always puzzled me why so many of these dudes consider themselves rebels and individualists and nonconformists, but yet they look, dress, and act exactly alike (I'm not saying all). There were four HD riders at my MSF Experienced Rider course. They were together and all had brand spanking new costumes on; bandanas, sun glasses, open fingered gloves, leather vests, leather chaps, and everything with an HD logo. Must have put them on for the first time that morning. The one guy's jeans had neat creases ironed into them.

Their main concern during the course seemed to be keeping their clothes clean. They also acted annoyed the entire time, and didn't interact with anyone else but their group. Only one had any skills to speak of, and minimal at best. All were on brand new high dollar HDs with all the farkles. Probably lawyers from the same law firm. One dropped his brand new <100 miles on the odometer Glide (I think) and scratched up the side case, grip, clutch lever, fender, and floorboard. Made me cringe to see that happen. He jumped up and checked out his outfit first, then his bike. I thought he was going to cry (I did feel bad for him).

Not one of them could keep their bike in the box doing the figure eight exercise. Not even close. I know they were new riders, but it seems foolish to start your riding career on a $24,000+ bike. What they do is their business, and I don't like being judgmental, but I guess I just don't get it.

[image: View Post]Knife, on Sep 22 2009, 09:24 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Luvmyvfr, on Sep 21 2009, 11:01 PM, said:

[image: View Post]covfrrider, on Sep 19 2009, 10:48 PM, said:

I sure they were wearing leather vests and sunglasses... that's more than enough gear isn't it? :blink:
I call what those types of riders wear "costumes" . Usually the Hardley guys, everything has to say Harley. The sunglasses, the vest held together buy a few chains, the belt buckle, the t shirt and the boots. They put their costume on and then ride to the bar, park and drink, then ride home.
Always puzzled me why so many of these dudes consider themselves rebels and individualists and nonconformists, but yet they look, dress, and act exactly alike (I'm not saying all). There were four HD riders at my MSF Experienced Rider course. They were together and all had brand spanking new costumes on; bandanas, sun glasses, open fingered gloves, leather vests, leather chaps, and everything with an HD logo. Must have put them on for the first time that morning. The one guy's jeans had neat creases ironed into them.

Their main concern during the course seemed to be keeping their clothes clean. They also acted annoyed the entire time, and didn't interact with anyone else but their group. Only one had any skills to speak of, and minimal at best. All were on brand new high dollar HDs with all the farkles. Probably lawyers from the same law firm. One dropped his brand new <100 miles on the odometer Glide (I think) and scratched up the side case, grip, clutch lever, fender, and floorboard. Made me cringe to see that happen. He jumped up and checked out his outfit first, then his bike. I thought he was going to cry (I did feel bad for him).

Not one of them could keep their bike in the box doing the figure eight exercise. Not even close. I know they were new riders, but it seems foolish to start your riding career on a $24,000+ bike. What they do is their business, and I don't like being judgmental, but I guess I just don't get it.
There's the big difference between "us" and "them", Knife, regardless of the brand "them" rides.  You see it with HDs, stunters and sportbike squids all the time.

Sorry for the stereotype/generalization, but IMO it's true all too often.  By comparison, every group ride I've been on with members of this forum and the mostly-Kawi forum I'm on, it's about the ride not the bikes themselves or how 'cool' we all look.

Now please excuse me as I do the Church Lady "Superior Dance".   :dry:   (I'm laughing at myself and my smugness!)

:dry: Now isn't THAT special? And just like TimC said - stoopid is as stoopid does. Personally I could care less what people wear or do - so long as it doesn't affect my safety (or my family's) and destroy any hard-won rights and privileges that we all enjoy, or impact my tranquility and peace of mind. Wankers like these unfortunately are so conspicuous (like say, tits on a trout) that people (sheeple?) notice these 1%'ers and are quick to put ALL riders in one category, regardless, which of course as we all know hurts us and the sport we love.

And now that I'm on the subject, time to vent! I'm really fed up with the gaggle of asshat Hardley riders in my 'hood who insist on gunning their heaps down my street at 10pm - open pipes and crappy music blaring "look at me!!" like some puerile pre-teen who just discovered they have a weenie...   :blink:

[image: View Post]melvis, on Sep 22 2009, 07:24 AM, said:

:dry: Now isn't THAT special? And just like TimC said - stoopid is as stoopid does. Personally I could care less what people wear or do - so long as it doesn't affect my safety (or my family's) and destroy any hard-won rights and privileges that we all enjoy, or impact my tranquility and peace of mind. Wankers like these unfortunately are so conspicuous (like say, tits on a trout) that people (sheeple?) notice these 1%'ers and are quick to put ALL riders in one category, regardless, which of course as we all know hurts us and the sport we love.

And now that I'm on the subject, time to vent! I'm really fed up with the gaggle of asshat Hardley riders in my 'hood who insist on gunning their heaps down my street at 10pm - open pipes and crappy music blaring "look at me!!" like some puerile pre-teen who just discovered they have a weenie...   :blink:
I KNEW it was Harley riders, despite the misleading club name.  

I don't wish misfortune on anybody, but this isn't misfortune.  Stoopid hurts.

Some have mentioned that Harley's are hard to stop and whatnot, but in reality, a Sportster will outperform R1 under braking.

A bagger like these will easily brake as well as a VFR below 80mph. Wouldn't be surprised if it will actually outbrake a VFR. Bad braking is the one thing cruisers do not suffer from (excluding customs with no front brake).



This was simply a case of ignoring prudent following distance. :dry:


I have seen this happen on sportbike group rides as well. 2 seconds will save your a**!!