This was a 430km ride (about 270 miles). It was two hours in the seat followed by another two hour stint, lunch, then around 1.5 to 2 hours back home. Pausing 20 minutes from home to say our goodbyes.

During the ride a motorhome pulled out in front of us. So the question of "do they see you" or "they see but just don't care" is answered - they just don't care, because you cannot fail to see 23 motorcycles heading down the road. The motorhome pulling out in front of us meant either... massive braking and possible motorcycle rear enders - or - swerve over double lines and go around him. The double line option was the safest. With a few "fuq you" waves as we went by. Unfortunately, due to a technical error (I thought I'd pressed the record button earlier but hadn't) the motorhome episode was not caught on film.

This video shows the beginning of the ride, footage along the way, where we stopped to refuel, leaving that stop and subsequent B Double overtaking, how we mark corners for riders further back and then have the corner marker rejoin the group, plus the usual twisities ridden as a group at slightly slower speed but still cool to see. After the video ends we still had another 150 clicks to ride.

I was Tailend Charlie. In this role, I mark the end of the ride group. If the corner marker sees me they know they can rejoin as no riders are behind me. I signal them all is ok and they rejoin. It is also my job to make sure any riders who pull over are ok and to stay with them until they get going again. As such it is also important I know the route - as I did this route the other week I was ideal Tailend Charlie.

For example. At the first stop for water, feed and fuel, one rider figured he didn't need fuel despite several warnings to tank up (his first ride with us). He risked it and ended up falling back through the group while he slowed struggling to find his reserve switch. He eventually found it and some time later when he figured the situation was dire he pulled up. I pulled up, found out what his problem was (on reserve for ages with 30 clicks to go and he didn't know how much farther he could go on res) and stayed by him until we came to a gas station while he ran on fumes. He was lucky. But worst case would have been, park the bike and hop on the back of mine so I take him to a gas station, grab a can of gas and then back to his bike. This is the role of Tailend Charlie.

There are some newer riders here who wonder about how high you can go in the revs on the little GS. If you watch the video in larger screen format or look carefully in the smaller screen, you'll see the ride starts with a few visits to the 9k mark. While I hit 10k overtaking the truck. And the bike doesn't skip a beat.  

Anyway. Here's  the video. Enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg6jTCuOe8Q

Michael

Nice video   I miss seeing green on my rides, but spring should be here soon...your videos keep me going, haha.

Sucks about the motorhome, but glad you got around it.