So, Saturday my friend George and his Tuono and myself on the mighty ZX took 2 of my newby friends on their first Breakfast Loop ride. Tom on his just re-engined SV650 and Aryan on his 2000 CBR600F4. Since it was the first real ride for Tom after selling his Ninja 250 I planned to take it real easy. I told both guys this ride was for THEM. I would set my pace by the slowest rider. We all had a great time. No problems at all....well, kind of. On a section of road where there is a couple of corners you can take at well over 100, I told them that I was going to ride fast through this section then I'd wait for them on the other side. So, I tear into the first right hander to see 4 vultures enjoying their breakfast in the middle of the road. 3 blast off, the 4th sits and glares at me. Finally he lifts off on a slow, shallow climb out like a B-17....FAAAACK! I see he will be too low to get over me....
I ducked and heard his toes scrape across the top of my helmet. Pretty interesting. I wish I had a GoPro on...
On another note, I learned that a group of 6 riders were on the same road we were on. Apparently the last rider in the group. probably the least experienced and trying to keep up with his friends, blew a corner and hit a Durango head on. Died at the scene. It's important, as a group ride leader to keep the skills of the group in mind. Egos are a huge part of sport riding. If you want to ride fast, make sure all involved know and can handle the pace. Otherwise split the group up or ride alone. No one wants to watch a friend die on a ride.
Take care out there.
Mad