Pros and Cons of Riding Solo vs. Riding in Groups
Some people love to ride their motorcycle solo, while other people love to ride in groups. Neither option is strictly better than the other, and each has its advantages. Even when it comes to avoiding motorcycle accidents, the two approaches have benefits and drawbacks. How do you decide which is right for you? Compare the advantages of each type of ride and decide which one matters most to you.
Pros of Solo Riding
Solo riding seems like a natural fit for the motorcycle. After all, if you wanted to travel in a group, wouldn’t you be in a car? Motorcycle riding lets you get away from everything and everyone so you can appreciate the open road. For most people, solo riding is perfect for motorcycles, because it offers what they’re really looking for from their motorcycle experience.
Enjoy Your Freedom
Freedom is the main benefit of solo motorcycle riding. When you are riding on your own, you have full discretion about how you handle your ride. You can ride as far as you want and rest whenever you feel like it or need it. You can also decide to change your plans – take a shortcut or take the long, scenic route if that strikes your fancy. Divert for interesting sights or stop at a diner that looks good. It’s your choice.
With group riding, the group determines the route, and the stops are pre-determined. It’s hard to make unplanned stops or detours.
Ride the Right Speed
What’s the right speed for riding your bike? The speed that’s safe, comfortable, and fun for you. When you’re riding by yourself, you can always ride at this speed. However, when you’re in a group, the speed is determined by the group.
In a group, the speed is usually determined by the slowest rider. However, there’s also pressure on slower riders to try to go faster because the group wants to make time. This can encourage less experienced riders to drive faster than they should, increasing their risk of a motorcycle accident. And nothing will slow your ride down more than a motorcycle accident.
Experience Solitude
As we said, being alone seems like the natural state for a motorcycle rider. For many people, riding their motorcycle is a way to leave behind the stresses and annoyances in their life. They love being out on the road alone with their thoughts and the scenery. There’s no annoying chatter or horseplay. Just a simple ride with peaceful, quiet stops.
Pros of Group Riding
However, there is also a lot to be said in favor of group riding, also known as team riding. There are reasons why motorcycle clubs and meet-ups are so popular – many people enjoy the experience of group riding.
Socialization and Fun
For many people, the community of riders is at least as important as the motorcycles themselves. The people you meet while riding can be more meaningful and important to you than your family. These are the people who really get you, and spending time with them on the open road is an experience you won’t trade for anything. It’s so much fun to swap stories of the road at the stops, and especially at the end of the day’s ride.
Reduce Costs
Group riding can help you control costs. Traveling in a group can help you get discounts, and you can share resources like food and drink. Plus, the more people in your group, the more likely someone is to know the best cheap eats in any town on the way.
Help and Support
Having someone there to help and support you is one of the big draws for group rides. Inexperienced riders, especially, want to join group rides for this purpose. Having a larger group means that if someone has a breakdown, it’s more likely that someone will know how to fix it. Or if there’s an injury, someone can call for help and stay with the injured person until assistance arrives.
This isn’t just a benefit for the recipient. Many experienced riders love sharing their wisdom with new riders. They love to help the next generation of riders become skilled lovers of the hobby. Plus, people who know how to work on motorcycles often love the challenge of figuring out what’s going wrong with a problematic bike.
Finally, it’s worth noting that in group riding, you always have several witnesses in the event of an accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer is always happy when he has additional support for your side of the story.
Navigation and Road Knowledge
Another benefit of group riding is that you’re less likely to get lost. With a group, it’s likely that someone has already been this way before and knows the best roads. Google Maps is better than ever, but it’s not always trustworthy – especially on the back roads – and it’s better if there’s someone there to tell you that before you end up a hundred miles off course.
Plus, road knowledge is more than just directions. It’s the aforementioned cheap eats. It’s what towns are friendly to motorcyclists and which ones are best to avoid. It’s knowing when a roadside attraction is worth diverting for and when it’s a disappointment. Having someone in your group who knows all the best spots can really improve the quality of your ride.
Solo and Group Riders Sometimes Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Whether you prefer riding on your own or riding in a group, motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common. When you get in an accident, having a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in the amount of compensation you receive for your injuries and property damage.
At Pushchak Law, we use a unique Informed Decisions™ Approach focused on helping you achieve the best possible outcome to your case. This is a more personal approach to your lawsuit than you’ll get at many law offices. We genuinely care about our clients, and we take the time to make sure the outcome is in your best interest.
We’re always personally available to you, and we will explain all your options, every step of the way. Motorcycle accidents are a key focus of our practice, and area of specialization has enabled Mr. Pushchak to build up extensive expertise in handling these cases. He’ll make sure you know what choices you can make, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of each decision. You are always in control of your case, but Mr. Pushchak’s expertise will ensure you have the best information for making critical decisions.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Pushchak Law serves clients in Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
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