Originally Posted by
RhinoDave
Many ride poachers can get away with pirating the ride by keeping a low profile. Carrying all your own stuff on a touring bike will draw lots of attention. I'm sure the vast majority of riders will simply ignore you and probably will not want to be associated with you. There will however be a few vocal ones who, if they realize you are not a registered rider, tell you exactly how they feel about it. Having ridden many of these, and being a long member of the club that organizes it, can you guess which group I'm in? I guess I'm wondering why you even want to do this since you are and "experienced tourist" and "do it just fine on my own" If you want to ride with a group then join the group. Riding the route is one thing but using the facilities that were arranged and paid for by the ride is another. Strong feelings? You bet, why should I have to put up with a Mooch when I've paid for my right to ride in the group.
Not sure what "facilities" I would be using since I have already said that everything is public. I have no problem stealth camping in another location outside of their campgrounds, which happen to be in school yards which are paid for by the general tax fund and not user fees.
To answer your question though which I think is a good one, why do I want to ride? I think it would be real nice to ride with such a large group because of the inherent safety and presence of such a mass of cyclists on the road. It would create a bicycle touring environment in which cyclists were much safer and could relax and little on the public roads. I have never ridden the DELMAC so not sure if this is true but I would hope so. Its too bad that so many people choose to use the most expensive parts of the ride such as a sag and meal preparations. Carrying my own equipment and cooking for myself are all part of the fun for me!
As I said earlier, I wouldnt be taking part in the fee educing services so I dont see what the big deal is. Maybe vocal people with strong feelings such as your self are just upset by the presence of someone on the ride who is having just as much fun as but isnt letting themselves get upset by what others choose to do.
If you see me out there say whats up and ill buy the first beers at camp!