Everyone of them I've talked to (okay only a half dozen or so about the topic of helmets) are very confident nothing will happen to them.

Sounds like sportbike guys I talk to about riding too fast on the streets too.
Expensive gear + riding schools + a couple years of riding = I can ride THROUGH a semi-truck 

Cruiser guys think we're idiots for riding too fast just as much as we think they are idiots for not wearing enough gear...  everyone else in the cars think we're ALL idiots.

Flood run doesn't have nor does it need "flaggers"---why should some charity ride....oh wait that is a charity ride....why should some other charity ride need preferential treatment..............entitlement !!! the only legitimate excuse and a piss poor one at that.

I don't want contribute to your high stress levels, Lloyd... but problems with the Flood Run(s) were major inspirations for this piece of legislation.

Vander you state people can complain to their local municipality to have these permits stopped....do you really think government much gives a damn what the public thinks-they do what they want with little regard to what the public wants. Besides far too many people are too PC and too damn passive and too damn lazy to actually follow through channels that would/could make a difference-they simply would complain to the neighbors/friends/relatives and forget about it in a couple days....Until it happens again...I doubt many care about parades that block roads---4th of July and town birthdays etc....it has come to be expected and accepted

I can foresee people complaining on MANY angles, actually:
The people that see a group ride parading through their communities as a great inconvenience
The public safety agencies not willing to deal with the congestion and potential for road rage/ other crimes
Nursing homes complaining about the disruptive noise
Churches/ Temples complaining about the noise and congestion
Sportbike forum people that live 50 miles away but hate the idea of cruiser parade rides...   

And I foresee those that support the rides too:
The charities generating revenue from the registration fees
The bars and restaurants generating revenue from the ride participants
The gas stations generating revenue
The other motorcyclist (or former)in the community that enjoy the ride and spectating

And they all seem to call each other "entitled"... 

Your concerns and opinions reflected those of MANY other riders too.
To me, they are sound and valid.

However (you were waiting for that one, weren't you? )...

These big parade style rides are very popular, and are the financial core of some important charities.  They also are backed and promoted by some pretty heavy hitting (politically) Motorcycle groups in Minnesota (such as ABATE).  They happen, and they will continue to happen.  And to facilitate these types of rides, implementing traffic controls favoring the integrity of the group is the preferred way to ensure the greatest level of safety.

As far as the concern for an impending slipper slope of auto clubs, bicycle clubs, and golf clubs following suit for this special treatment?  Valid... and addressed.  Only special events with approved permits will "activate" the power of traffic control for the certified ride escorts.

And just so you know, traffic control duties is seen as "chump work" for LEOs.  They will gladly pass this off to civilians.  I was a military cop awhile back... traffic duties went to the newbs.

I hope that clarifies things... I'd be willing to try and answer more questions if you have any. 
For me, it's a good compromise.  Perhaps more understanding and info will help in making this sound LESS stoo-ped for some on here.   

Sorry to hear, Jon.

It is simply grueling to bear witness to something so awful and debilitating.

May I offer my own discoveries in coping with the loss of a loved one?  After the despair subsides, forgive yourself and allow happiness, fulfillment and enjoyment to find you again.  I am convinced that our loved ones continue to care for us and wish us to be free from suffering as they now are.

Sorry if that was too sappy; cancer just sux.

Perhaps this is not the right tool to use, but I still admire and respect Ray's efforts.
I'd personally would like things to remain (and at times, be more) civil on this forum.

On other forums I frequent, things are NOT so civil; yet I find enjoyment and successes in those communities.  But I also recognize that many MM forum enthusiasts do not enjoy those communities and have limited their participation in them as a result.   

Is Ray so wrong in striving to maintain/build a civil community here?
Or is it that you feel this is just the wrong method?

And perhaps the tool is not the problem... just how the population is using it.  Just a thought.

There is nothing stopping an individual from repeatedly "applaud"
 or "smite" an individual or even themselves (create a false account). My initial support has waned.
"Like" or "Dislike" posts individually.

I share the above sentiment with Greg; just wondering if the forum software has the functionality of rating individual posts... 

From a sociological perspective, it is interesting how the karma points are accumulating, though.  Lloyd seems to be about as polarizing as the abortion debate.   

Wow.

I love this new section.   


And I would agree with Brent that the lack of skill contributed to the rider's crash.
I'd would, however like to ask... what you all consider a normal skill -set to be?

I would say that the riders on this forum typically exhibit extraordinary skill-sets that are beyond the regular weekend riding enthusiast.