I ride solo probably about 95% of the time, but over the last few years when I’ve got the wife on the back I seem to be getting more and more paranoid about the dangers. I therefore find myself riding a lot slower and cautious than I would normally do and I’m constantly thinking about the dangers, not that I don’t think about the dangers when I’m on my own but I just don’t think about it ALL the time! The other day we had a great run and I did enjoy it but when I got home my neck and back were stiff, obviously it was because I wasn’t relaxed enough, something I’m never bothered with riding on my own. Does anyone else find they feel paranoid like this with their other half on the back?
You're not alone Doug, I've recently got the missus back on pillion and I turn into a wobbly novice, I hardly know she's there too she's so good but your whole mindset changes.
My other half is always on my back do I feel paranoid Yes I do How do I resolve these feelings I get on my Triumph and go for a long ride and let my worries disolve away Sorry Dougie I couldn't resist lol, but seriously its a natural reaction to protecting the one's you love, always looking for dangers ahead of time, more attention to avoiding every possible dangerous situation. very stressful indeed, Ride Free Dougie - leave her at home in that dangerous kitchen (sorry mate I'm at it again)
If I could like that twice and include a smilie I would Crispey Very Good lol I lost a fellow biker today from another forum !! I seriously think if he was the kind of guy to let go of things now and then and have a laugh even at yourself sometimes then he would still be with us, I called him Smiler because of his inability to let go and bloody smile , he did now and then and what a different bloke he was. Turns out he and his wife had a terrible time of things over the last year or so probably longer than that if the truth be known but being the man he was he said Nowt, You have to share things no matter how tough it gets, even to strangers on a forum it helps you get through. R.I.P. Frank (Smiler) & fly high marra
You should always be riding more smoothly riding with a pillion as the front is lighter and you are more likely to lock the breaks as well. So smooth and easy are the order of the day when riding 2 up. Notice I didn't say slow
Got to be honest, I don't ride with pillion passengers much at all. The girlie tried it a few times when I had the Bonnie and was OK with it for about 40 minutes - so pub run really. My sons been on the back of the Trident and Tiger but I hate the low speed wobbles and the worry of having someone behind you who is totally relying on your competence!
My other half used to come on the back with me a lot more in the BM and VFR days but as we've both got older she doesn't really like to and I prefer to ride solo - it just feels so much more natural. Let's face it, riding your bike solo is what it's all about. "You may take our lives, but you will never take our FREEDOM !!!!!" (imagine a big Scottish/Australian accent).
I took Mrs Al on the back some 30 odd years ago. After getting cold and wet a couple of times she never wanted to do it again, plus, my 'accidental' bursts over the speed limits really put her panties in a pile. Never been two up ever since and never want to
It does make you ride differently. When my wife started riding again I was mega paranoid,always looking in the mirrors waiting for her to come round the bend or if I lost her in traffic.I t did spoil my riding for a while but the more miles we did I realised she was quite a good rider if left to her own devices and I started to relax and enjoy it. Perhaps it's just a case of doing more miles and trusting your own riding skills. I'm sure if she felt uncomfortable she wouldn't go.
