Eric, I beg to differ, I do take you seriously, that is why you have my cell number. Also, speaking for the Olathe group, as I feel I now have to, if there are a bunch of new faces, as there have been lately, I will walk around and talk to people and feel them out. Talk to them about their bikes, try to get a feel for them and what they are capable of. There has been a couple of instances in the last couple of weeks, including Eric's friend who just bought his bike, that I told them point blank do not come out with us and expect to keep up until you get some skills down.
better yet, don't come out until you get familiar with the bike and get some seat time in and know what you are doing. yes, we are a fast group, in no way am i denying that. and lately, there have been quite a few new faces, but I can say, a few things.
1) we have not had any crashes to speak of from the olathe group as a whole. we had one dude lowside after another guy clipped him and one of our good friends kinda did a stop and drop deal. other than that, we have not had any crashes to speak of. I wouldn't really call that luck. We also will wait up for the last person in the inital runs, then the less experienced riders will break off and leave the rest of us.
2.) There have been quite a few instances, where we have acutally taken a rider aside and told them to lay off a bit b/c we didn't want to pick them up off the pavement. Kuni is right, it is often times ego. I don't want to take care of someone in the ICU b/c their ego overshadowed their judgement, if they can't make a judgement call to back off, I have no qualms about telling them and doing it for them.
now, how does that make me sound? like a bitch right? I am by far not the best rider in the Olathe group, but I can and do hold my own against the fast boys. But, I am the one that will be taking care of someones sorry ass if they end up at KU.
To the dude that died, I am sorry for you and your family. RIP and may you always ride in the golden days of summer eternally.