Sidetracked: Pack Mentality—Group Riding

Pack mentality (n.) The tendency for a group of individuals to act together without planned direction.

Humans, like many of our four-legged fellow inhabitants of planet Earth, are social animals. We tend to mimic the behavior of those around us. Alone, your pet malamute may be mild-mannered and cuddly. But take him to doggie daycare and it could be another story. Pack mentality is that unfortunate tendency of people in groups to do things they would not likely do alone.

"Bill, why don't you join them?" Dave asks as we watch some 200 riders gear up, most on sportbikes. Engines rev to the limiters, and bikes squirt around the parking lot like a dropped box of marbles. The new motorcycle dealership has invited several clubs to join the festivities during its grand opening. Dave is an old hand at sales but new to motorcycling. I am here to help with the opening.