When you have a large group of bikes riding in formation, you must trust the people in that group. If people are tipsy, it puts others in danger. Some can handle a beer or two, others think they can, but really can't. Better to ban it completely than to take a chance. I understand and agree with Star on that.

I belong to star for about 4 years now. I used to be founding president of a chapter, but it got a bit too political and all I wanted to do was meet new people and ride. Amazing how adults can act like children. I moved a bit too far to be a regular member or to continue as president. I still participate on occasion mostly for the charity things.

I agree that Star is not for everyone, but I've met some very good friends from my participation that I hang out more with than the chapter.

The service dept at my dealer offers 15-20% off on parts and service for Star members. It's paid for the membership plus, in the money saved. Granted many on this list that do a lot of their own service may not get that benefit. This is the main reason I'm still a member.

I've been a ST&R member for 7 years and have belonged to 3 different chapters including a chapter that I helped start and where I served as the first president.

Each chapter is a different group of folks and they all allow each person to particapate 3 times at no cost. If you think you might like to be involved, give it a try, if it's not for you then you have lost nothing.

If you like another group or prefer to ride alone, then by all means you should do as you wish, I won't judge you and I hope that you won't judge me.

Jim

Jimtec wrote:
I've been a ST&R member for 7 years and have belonged to 3 different chapters including a chapter that I helped start and where I served as the first president.

Each chapter is a different group of folks and they all allow each person to particate 3 times at no cost. If you think you might like to be involved, give it a try, if it's not for you then you have lost nothing.

If you like another group or prefer to ride alone, then by all means you should do as you wish, I won't judge you and I hope that you won't judge me.

Jim

Good to see you Jim

When we deleted your old account so you could reregister you lost all your posts. Sorry buddy.

Your bike looks great in our web site header! I appreciate you letting us use it.

Gram

I have been a member of Ft. Lauderdale Chapter 297 for 2+ years and we have a large membership and growing, but it may not be for everyone. Large group riding has its challenges, and it takes some time to build confidence and trust to do it well. It is amazing to see when a group of us that know and trust each other ride together. The formation is tight the maneuvers are crisp and everyone is safe. Of course you get guest riders that don't have that level of trust and experience and that can lead to some interesting moments. We have a group of Shepherds that help the new riders get comfortable and ride with them to help out. We take at least 2 rides per month some long some short, but always fun.
Large groups like this are rarely without personality clashes and politics, but for the most part they pass and if you don't let it get in the way of the fun and shared joy of riding the group is a great way to travel with support of a group and the safety that can come with numbers.
You will have to decide for yourself if this is for you. Most chapters have a monthly meeting and you can go as a guest and check them out. Most have a website where they post monthly rides and you can join up to 3 rides before deciding if you want to join.
I enjoy many friendships gained from the group and ride often with members at times other than group rides. It is a great way to get out and ride and to see places you might not have known about or would have gone on your own.
Check it out. I think compared to many clubs or associations the cost is very small.

WOW !

I havn't been on here in about 3 days, this thread has taken a life of it's own. Good to see and very interesting.

Thanks,

FG

Hey Steve! Good to hear from you too!

No worries about the lost post count, I'll just start over, you'll see me hanging around here alot more in the future.

THANK YOU for putting my bike in the header, I consider it an honor.

Take care, Jim

welcome back Jimtec, glad to meet ya.. By the way, which ride up there is yours..

I can definitely relate to the politics & personality clashes in organizations. I learned that from dealing with my kids little league sports. I think that's why I ride with a friend or just the wife. Also my life is to structured with other groups vying for my time too.

Flashback wrote:
welcome back Jimtec, glad to meet ya.. By the way, which ride up there is yours..

Orange one on the left.

Doc

DocShadow wrote:
Flashback wrote:
welcome back Jimtec, glad to meet ya.. By the way, which ride up there is yours..

Orange one on the left.

Doc

Jim probably got busy in the shop guys (he's one of CA's finest wrenches). His is the turquoise and white just left of the center engine pic. The Orange one is Baron's SS bike from GDSW.

Gram