I bought my husband his first motorcycle six years ago without knowing I was going to ride. The pillion life (aka backpack) began because he showed me how much he wanted me to ride by making modifications specific to me and buying me gear. Once I started riding with him, I was hooked.
His version of “hooked” is the love of the ride as well as personalizing the bike. Modifications on the first bike began immediately. It was a used Road King, so I somewhat expected it. The second bike, a 2022 Road Glide, was bought new, and I was not prepared for what came next. I remember going out into the garage and the shock of him cutting holes in the saddlebags for speakers. He told me there was more to come. To date, the following modifications have been made: replacement of all lights, new floorboards for both of us, new highway pegs for both of us, new shift lever, shift knob, and shift linkage, added speakers in the saddlebags, new handlebars (has 3 including stock), new windshield (also has 3 including stock), new seats (again, has 3 including stock, one heated), red cables, upgraded exhaust, added exhaust fan, new crash bar, grips, and tank emblem.
One of my favorite modifications is the tank emblem because it truly represents "us" for the following reasons: 1) the Road Glide is shark-nosed; 2) he served in the Navy on the USS Portsmouth (logo is a shark); 3) he is a recreational scuba diver (and yes, swims with sharks); 4) my favorite color is red! Sometimes it is the little things, but I was so excited when he started making red the accent color for me. The bike is also gunmetal grey... who would have thought after all those years on a submarine he would be drawn to that color? Not me, but it is beautiful.
We both have high-stress jobs, well, until this last summer we did. I am retired! Prior to retirement, I was a high school principal at a large school. I was placed on high blood pressure medication in my 30s and continued to have hypertension issues even after the medication. Before the bike, my main stress reducers were the pool and mowing... yes, mowing. I tell him all the time I am a great wife. Unfortunately, both of those are seasonal in nature, and I really was in need of something year-round.
Through riding two-up, I discovered wind therapy is real! My stress diminishes for hours and sometimes days, depending on the length of the ride. Living in Texas, riding is not limited to any particular season, and even when cold, our cold weather gear is a game changer. He is very skilled at putting on his own cold weather gear, but I need assistance. I cannot put on both heated gloves to save my life and then struggle to plug all the heated gear in with said gloves on. Maybe over time I will get better, but we do get a laugh out of it each time.
We have rain gear on the bike at all times. We both have two-piece suits. It is the great debate on who gets theirs on faster, but my vote is for me. Recently, we both transitioned into waterproof jackets as our main riding jacket, so now it really will be a close pants only race. Taking off the sauna suit is a different story. I think he gets his off pretty fast, but mostly because he is dripping in sweat.
While riding, a calmness comes over me, and all my senses are heightened. Yes, everything looks better from inside a helmet, but it doesn’t stop there. The view is magnified by the feel of the wind, the rumble of the bike, the glide of the road, and the smell of the air, trees, and rain, which is second to none. While I could do without the smell and taste of a dairy farm, a skunk, smoke from a recent fire, or hundreds of dead crickets on the road (that smell is awful), it is all part of the full experience and imprinted in your memory.
Last, but certainly not least, I feel closer to him. Yes, I am literally sitting inches behind him, but that isn’t the reason. He treats me as precious cargo 100% of the time. He makes riding decisions based on my comfort level (although that bar is constantly moving), constantly ensures I am hydrated (yes, I am one of those who get dehydrated very easily), and the touch on my leg also tells me I am loved, protected, and truly part of a team.
We do all the trip planning together. We plan our long-distance summer trip at least six months in advance, and it is the topic of many conversations at home and while we ride. We discuss the route, must-do things, stays along the way, hikes, restaurants, and more. I can honestly say our communication skills have improved while riding the bike. We laugh, we sing, we talk, or we’re silent, but everything is together.
I have only been riding pillion for the past six years. I wish I had known the benefits long before. Peace, love, and ride is my why!
The Blonde Backpack
Excellent writing my friend!!!