Seasonal Kickoff Ride -- 19th or 20th of May 2012

[Jason ON]

I apparently cannot change the title of the post so I'll just add the date here:

May 20, 2012 @ 9am, KSU 9:30

I thought about doing another Newb Ride like we have always done in the past, but it seems newbs are in short supply during those rides and everyone else complains of the slower pace, so this year I thought I'd throw out a revamped version of the classic Newb Ride.

What I'm thinking is this:

Same Bat-time, same Bat-location (http://g.co/maps/ywwqn at 9am) with groups of riders according to their various skill levels riding together. We meet somewhere for lunch and people can either choose to go home at that point or go for an additional ride with a group or on their own.

Yes, this is more of a social function than a riding function, but let's face it, the CSC is more of a social group than a riding group.

Why the 20th of May? Yes, yes, I know it's an MRA weekend, but let's face it, most MRA racers don't ride on the street in groups anyway. Also, the weekend after is Memorial Day making the roads too busy and the weekend before is my birthday making me too hungover. Anytime before that is less than a month out and I wanted to give people a chance to plan ahead.

Not to mention I also want to make sure it warms the "F" up.

That being said, this is an official CSC ride so gear will be mandated as well as adherence to ALL rules of the road. Show up for this in shorts, sandals a t-shirt or a combination thereof and I will tell you to go home. Show up with a bad attitude and you'll just make an ass out of yourself.

http://www.cosportbikeclub.org/club/rules.html

Proper gear includes:

a helmet
a jacket, preferably a riding jacket
full length pants, again, preferably riding pants but I won't knock jeans
gloves and boots/shoes that cover your ankles.

I am not a fan of people dying or being scarred for life if it can be avoided.

I am thinking three types of groups: aggressive, moderate and newb. If the ladies want to get together and ride their own group that's fine, too.

Since we had a problem with Lunatard, or whatever his name was last year, I have to announce: I did check and it turns out I am not a registered babysitter for any of you. Please have your license and registration up to date. If you aren't and you run from the police I will turn you in to the state patrol, myself.

You only make the entire sportbike community and CSC, in particular, look bad when you run.

I don't want to have to turn a anyone in for being a jackass. Don't be a jackass.

Route to be determined based on response to this posting. I am thinking Central City Race-, er, Parkway since it's nice and wide open for the newer riders and aggressive enough for the more experienced riders, but getting to and from is up for grabs. If anyone has a suggestion post or PM me a map link.

I'm also thinking of finishing my ride with a stop off at Baker's Street Tavern in the Tech Center. Sunday they have an all day happy hour and a fantastic outdoor patio. You are all welcome to join me there.

http://www.cosportbikeclub.org/club/rules.html

If you want to be a leader or sweep let me know. I have a feeling there will only be one or two groups of faster riders, most will be moderate and one or two of the slower/newb riders. Again it depends on response to this post how many we will actually need. And yes, experienced riders will need to ride with the slower or newer riders. Sweeps will need to know basic motorcycle maintenance, preferably CPR and/or first aid and have a cell phone to call for an ambulance if needed. Leaders will be setting the pace, watching out for road hazards and alerting their group to any situations they should be aware of as soon as possible.

Also, if you sign up to be a lead or sweep I need you to show. Last year a couple of people didn't or couldn't at the last minute and put us in a bind. Luckily a few other CSCers stepped up. This part requires some semblance of adulthood, so know yourself before agreeing to take any responsibility.

All groups will need to take the same route so we know where to look should someone not finish the ride.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Preferably constructive?