It began with meeting up at McDonald parking lot. I was the last to arrive and I was surprised because I thought it would be just 3 of us but instead... it was 5 of us. All of them have sport bikes - two Yamaha R1 and two Kawasaki Ninja. That kinda worried me because my route plan based on a specific parameter - 3 riders. I greeted them and then I asked for their skill level: 1-10
Person 1 - Rohl: 5
Person 2 - John: 1... 1.5....
Person 3 - Louie: 2.5
Person 4 - Jay: 3
(I'm still lol'ing at their
when I told them how many miles I have rode in 3 years... about 12,000 miles
... and the total miles of all 4 bikes combined is nowhere close to my mileage *bragging*)
I interrupted John when he said 1.5 - "WHAT???? What do you mean 1.5?" He said - "I just got a motorcycle yesterday." OYE!
I held a safety talk regarding "Group Riding." I noticed that Rohl wasn't paying attention and he looks bothered. I pat him on the arm - "hey you! pay attention". I had a concern about Rohl cuz he looks like that type that doesn't listen and prefers to find out for himself. Rest was receptive and focused. I specifically warned them that first half of my route is all twisties (mostly gentle type) and then the last portion is just "Fast n' Furious" - straight and fast on wide-open highway. and I repeatedly stressed that they should ride within their skill level.
But I was still concerned because none of them are experienced riders and I had to lead the group since only I know the route. A general rule in group riding is that the most experienced rider serves as "Drag Bike" - a person who rides in the last position in a group and the beginner because that way - inexperienced riders in front don't feel pressured to keep up with the group. The pace of group riding is at the pace of the slowest rider.
Anyway, they're more like "weekend" riders here and there and I ride everyday. Their bikes were "too clean" and mine was a dirty old lady
so it's one of several methods to gauge their extent of riding experience.
Among this group - I've personally trained Jay so I know her skill limitation and riding style but rest of them.. I don't know them. It was friend's friend and friend's friend's friend thing. Another method to gauge their skill is to go on easy twisties and they were quite behind so that gave me some more accurate reading on their skill level.
At the end of twisties, I turned right to Route 23 and I noticed that I'm missing 1 rider. I pulled over to emergency shoulder and did a duck count to know who was the missing rider and it was Rohl. My first thought was that he probably wiped out at the twistie but I gave it a few more seconds because maybe he slowed down or something. We were waiting and waiting for several more seconds. He should have arrived by now but still no sign of him. Then that was when I knew accident had happened. I quickly turned around..... on one-way street :Ohno: but it was an emergency and I was deeply concerned. I sped up very fast and got there as quickly as I could. I saw him sitting on guardrail, catching his breath and a driver helping him.
I parked my bike, ran over to him, asked - "you ok?" and since he can reply back fine and there was no visible injury (blood, broken bones, etc.)... I went to his bike to secure the situation - engine off, no gas/fluid leak, debris cleared off the street, and assessed the situation because the route is popular for riders and it was not a safe location for us to diddle around. Then I went to check on him to perform a quick medical check-up on him to make sure his limbs are fine and that he had no concussion. Everything all checked out. Then the driver and I picked up his bike and rolled it to the shoulder. We had a little chit-chat, shook hands and then off he went.
Then I went back to him again and asked again if he's ok - no injury, no concussion, etc. He later found a nasty "love handle road rash" - which is very common in motorcycle accidents cuz a jacket rides up when you slide down the street. I took first aids kit out of my tank bag and taped large gauze pad on it.
We packed up and headed down to nearest gas station. We all had a good talk about it and learned from it. I explained that this is why:
1. Investing in crash kit is good idea to save $$$ from expensive repairs. Without crash kit, the most common damages are broken clutch/brake handles, clutch/brake levers, signal lights, and pegs. Plus you'll have to pay for towing. Rohl's damage was ripped rear seat and some fairing damage. Much much much cheaper to replace plastic fairing than these parts.
2. Investing in ATGATT is so crucially important that I cannot stress it enough especially for road trips. You don't have to buy "top of the line" or expensive gear but (between $150-200) decent gear is fine - preferably stiff or fitted jacket so that the sleeve or bottom of jacket won't ride up when sliding. To give them a better idea on good gear, I reviewed their gears and gave them a critique. and lastly... since they're riding sport bikes - I strongly urged them to take Total Control Advanced Rider Clinic course. It's a small price to pay for lifetime of enjoying twisties at advanced level. I will take it too.
to me. I only have one chance with my bike so can't afford any failure.
A guy in my group was very lucky to survive with only love handle road rash. It was a common newbie cornering mistake. He overshot it and panicked. Pulled a death grip and he went straight to grassy area and then highsided. He's also very lucky that he didn't hit the guardrail or slide toward it cuz I call guardrail - Human Cheese Grater cuz of metal poles in the ground holding up guardrail. I don't wanna think about sliding toward it at high speed :Ohno: 
