RI Biker - Friends of Friends Ride

Cranston, RI
ph: 401.261.0751
mark@ribiker.net

Friends of Friends Ride

2008 Friends of Friends Ride

We held our 3rd Annual Friends of Friends Ride this Sunday, at Chianti’s Parkside, and it was a success. I want to thank all of you that showed up and for those that didn’t make it you missed one of the best events all season. Where else can you go for an 80 mile ride and get free food with live music? This year we had over 225 motorcycles register. The co-host, TJ from Parkside really blew it out this year. He blocked off the parking lot for the bikes, put up a huge tent, got a 10 am permit and put out a huge buffet for us. If you're planning a run and looking for a place to stop that will take care of you, please contact TJ at Parkside. It’s great when you can hang out with your friends around your bikes and not worry about getting hassled. The ride was also one of the best I’ve been on and led. Safety was a major concern and we tried to make it as organized as possible, so we could make it back and party in one piece. Not only was it very scenic, but we did a great job controlling traffic. I want to thank all of the people that helped out at intersections. I’m sure we pissed off a few people in cars, but there were also people pulling over for us and cheering us on. Looking back at the pack on Route 102 was an unbelievable sight. The pack went on for miles and I couldn’t see the end of it. I even ran into a girl at the back of the pack with a Bird Bike. I mean it, this thing had feathers on it and I thought it was pretty cool. That’s what I call custom.

A few of the reasons I love riding, is the feeling of being free and the great people I meet along the way. I ran into some people on this run that I haven’t seen in a while and it was great to catch up. I also made some new friends that I hope visit my website. When we got back to Parkside, the bartenders and waitresses had it all setup for us. I want to thank the girls and Matt from the Parkside for giving us the best service and keeping us all hydrated. The food was also one of the best parts of the event. I think that is why we get such a good turnout for the event. This is one event to make next year, so spread the word and bring your friends.

Here are some pictures I received from a couple of people on the ride. Thanks

The Bird Bike
Two Brothers Pub

More pictures are coming soon.

2007 Friends of Friends Bike Run - Chianti's PARKSIDE Bar & Grill

This was the second year our friend TJ hosted a free ride out of his place. We had some help setting up this year. Our friends Mike (Chicken) and Rick came down to help setup and make sure we all left together. I gave a little safety speech and we were ready to roll.

We had a little trouble because a few guys decided to pull out in front and everyone started following them instead of me. Once I took the lead we were in good shape. I forgot how difficult it is to keep a big pack of motorcycles together. I had some help blocking roads and I appreciate it.

The ride was roughly a 90-mile loop, very scenic and has a few places to stop so you can enjoy the farms or have ice cream. We also made a rest stop at Two Brother's Pub in Voluntown, CT. This year they greeted us with multiple bartenders and food. We hung out there for about 45 minutes. Just enough time to admire some bikes and tell a couple of stories. Then, we headed back to Chianti's for a Free Italian Buffet and live music.

Last year we had about 70 bikes and 100 riders. This year, we had over 130 bikes and 150 riders. I was leading pack and there were times I looked back and couldn't see the end of it. We had a few local, old timers join us on the ride. Glad to have them, it makes me feel like we are doing something good. We all made it back in one piece for the party. The band was playing out on the deck, the food tasted like it came from Italy and drinks were flowing.

We hope to make the event bigger in the future. I keep asking for a burnout pit, maybe next year. Please send feedback or requests for future rides.

I want to thank TJ and his Dad for giving us a place to have fun and for all those that helped block traffic during the ride.

Mark