Official SRNE rides no more...

With riding season upon us, it is inevitable that we start getting notes about rides. This is why we all belong to a group, right? To do activities that we all enjoy together. Motorcycling is no different, but in America's very litigious climate it cannot be overlooked that there is a potential for financial disaster if someone chooses to sue if they get injured on a ride with a group.

I wasn't riding your bike, you were. I didn't tell you to ride that fast, you twisted the wrist. I didn't say to look at the trees, and you rode into the forest. So, why is this my fault? In America today, it seems less about right or wrong and taking personal responsibility for ones actions, and more of " Who else can pay for MY MISTAKE?"

Here is a note I put on the SRNE mailing list.....

" Ralph, the issue of "official SRNE" can be a little contentious. This group is by design a place for riders to meet, share and ride together. However, having twenty people show up for a ride can make for a parade. And then, if only they could ride....

When five or six people get together who know each other and have ridden together for a long time go out for a Sunday blast, it's a good time. However, larger groups create issues just due to their sheer size. I've led groups approaching forty bikes early in SRNE's career, and it is tough. And when you add speed to something like that, it can make you nuts.

I know I can ride fast, I know that Tim can, and Steve can, and Paige can, etc etc etc...But when Dude rolls up on his new YZF-R6 and I've never even met him or heard about him, how should I feel letting him ride with us NOT KNOWING if he knows what he's doing? A good credit rating to buy the bike doesn't ensure rider skill, or even rider maturity. I've watched guys ride on the street during my work day that don't belong on a city street, nevermind pushing 80+ on Rt.100. And yet I'm expected to allow him to ride in the middle of the pack and hope he knows enough to not get hurt? I've been burned here, and so has Ken. I don't want to feel that way again.

The old school SRNE's on the second list will always get together. However, official rides may be a thing of the past. I don't want to be accused of pushing a rider to go over his head into the corner and crashing. And then his lawyer ringing me up and saying I owe.

America is too litigious, and the possibility of being sued too great. Rides between friends and such are fine. If it's official, then I feel liability comes into play. This discussion came up just a little while ago, and this is not the only group local adopting this attitude.

Times are changing, and being nice and helpful doesn't mean much if someone wants your $$$.

This is the issue. Liability. Making riders sign waivers before the ride doesn't work because waivers have been broken by the lawyers. The personal injury lawyers want your money and will do whatever it takes to get it. It's not about right or wrong anymore. The four guys who sponsor this place cannot risk all they have worked for, including family and home, just so a few people can have fun on a ride. We don't make any money here, nor do we charge any money. This is all free.

There is too much at stake. If people want to get together using the forum to meet and ride, fine. That's two people out for a ride. But as an organization, SRNE will never have an official street ride again.

If you have any questions about this, please mail me. I'll be more than happy to help explain this position if there are any questions. Thanks.