Do you ever wish you had a couple of riding buddies with you for your big trips like heading off to a rally a state or two away? Or having someone to meet up with to do a breakfast or lunch ride to cruise your favorite local roads?
You're not alone.
Finding a like minded buddy to ride with can make a world of difference on your trip. While there are definitely benefits and freedom associated with riding solo, most motorcyclists would agree that it can be more enjoyable and, not to mention, safer taking on the open road with someone you can trust.
This begs the question, how do you go about finding suitable motorcycling buddies?
Surprisingly, it’s both easy and hard. Finding another motorcyclist is easy, finding one that rides like you can be difficult. Type of riding, preferred pace, endurance, skill-level, and scheduling all play a part in finding someone good to ride with.
In this article, we’ll be discussing why it’s a really good idea to find motorcycling buddies, and the top 5 ways to do just that.
Why Should You Find Riding Buddy?
If you’ve ever gone on a long solo trip, you’ll know that it can get lonely eventually. Sure the convenience of being able to leave, stop take detours on a whim is nice.
Yet, it’s a different and it can be a more enjoyable riding experience to “share the ride.” Think: swapping leader/follower duties, chatting at gas stops, eating with someone at a cool local restaurant or just having someone to hold the camera to get that Instagram worthy shot.
Besides just the companionship factor, there’s various other reasons why it might be a good idea to put some time into finding the right riding partners.
The first thing that comes to mind is safety. Here are a few safety benefits when riding with others:
Roadside Repairs - if you ever run out of gas, get a flat tire or something else, it’s nice to have someone else to go get anything needed to get you back out on the road. At the very least, it’s a second mobile phone available and, if it’s getting dark, your riding buddy can hold the flashlight while you fix your bike.
Visibility - The most dangerous part of riding is not being seen by car drivers. But if you are riding with someone, you, collectively, have a larger presence and a better chance of being seen and heard.
Shiny-Side Down - So you hit some gravel in a corner and low-sided. Hopefully you aren’t hurt but if you need medical attention, your riding buddy can be a life saver. She can apply basic medical care, keep you out of further danger and, most importantly, can get help. This is especially important if you are riding in a remote area with spotty wireless phone coverage.
And here are a couple of other benefits when riding with others:
Your Might See Something New - If your buddy is familiar with an area that you have never been to, you might discover a new road, a scenic rest stop, or a cool place to eat.
Becoming a Better Rider - If you are following your buddy, you can see how they ride and compare their riding to yours. If they are doing something better than you, you can use what they are doing to improve your skills.
With all of the above, it’s definitely worth the effort to find a good group to ride with.
So, how to you find new riding buddies? Keep reading...