Precious Cargo

In the early part of our marriage, my hubs rode a Kawasaki and taught me to ride. Just like a teenager learning to drive and park, my lessons were in a parking lot. I struggled with using the clutch when coming to a stop. One time I stopped so abruptly I couldn’t keep the bike up. I laid it down with me underneath. He came running across the parking lot and yelled, “Don’t ever do that.” My thought was “duh, I didn’t mean to.” His only care was for me. The rest of his statement was “Never let the bike fall on you. Drop it; always protect yourself. You are what is most important to me.” That moment is forever engrained in my memory.

Top of Mount Scott, Oklahoma

Five years ago, we headed out on a little three day adventure. On the first day, we ran into trouble: a bad wheel bearing. My hubs is hard of hearing and suffers from selective hearing, but he heard and felt that! We took it to a shop first thing in the morning. Although only a couple of miles away, we rode very slowly and carefully. Once there, we were in the hands of two great mechanics that need their own show! We learned that the phrase "it's the shits" can mean both good and bad. We were offered beer at 8 am and again at 9. The wheel bearing was removed with Duck Tape and I witnessed a new use for Crown Royal bags. While our schedule was a little off, I am thankful my husband can hear when safety is concerned.

I never “feared” riding, but the wheel bearing experience set in a series of "what if" questions and thoughts of a tire blowing out, us sliding, etc. He answered every "what if " question very logically. My brain needed those answers to enjoy the ride, On a side note, I am the same way with a cruise. My brain short circuits a little when I can’t see land. 😳

On one of our first rides with a group I became very dehydrated. I know the signs now, but I got a terrible headache and when we stopped at the hotel, I got off the bike dizzy and nauseous. I asked for one thing… pickle juice. Lesson learned and now we always carry electrolyte drinks, but I have also been known to order a glass of pickle juice as well. I get strange looks, but trust me it works!   

Sand and gravel are the two things I dislike most. We have slid on both at a very low speed and needless to say, I don’t care for it. In a gravel parking lot, I choose to get on and off the bike on a concrete surface. He doesn’t get annoyed and I don’t get stressed.

We stay off of freeways as much as possible; the backroads are far more entertaining as well as safer due to less cars. Defensive driving is a must. The vast majority of motorcycle accidents are not at the fault of the motorcyclist. Our bike is lit up like a Christmas tree, but we will be seen! If possible, ride with another biker or couple. You are better seen on the road and there for one another if there are any bike issues.

As the pillion, do what is comfortable, but in a have to situation like riding on a sandy road for a couple of miles to your Airbnb or to truly experience White Sands National Park, trust the rider and know you are precious cargo.

He got me to our destination safe and sound.

Don't get me wrong, riding gear is a critical part of safety, but the mindset of safety is what will get her on and keep her on the bike. While I will address riding gear at a later date, that standard is really set by the rider.

We will be taking our first ride of 2025 in just a few days. While it will only be a day ride, it sets the stage for the next blog to focus on small muti day trips.

The Blonde Backpack