You Want Me To Ride Backpack?

Our motorcycle journey began with two surprises: 1) I gifted my husband his first Harley for his 50th birthday (yes, best wife ever); and 2) he immediately began modifying the bike to make it comfortable for me to let me know he wanted us to ride together.

His first bike, a 2014 Road King.

My first few rides were on a narrow, uncomfortable seat with a sissy bar that felt like an uncompromising iron bench rubbing on my spine. Now, I am not someone who “has back”, but that seat wasn’t enough even for my narrow behind.

He addressed the seat within the first few weeks and also bought me a gel seat cushion to break in my motorcycle butt at a slow rate.

The new seat and gel cushion were game changers; I was comfortable. The next goal was to get me to stop trying to help him ride as I thought leaning the opposite direction was helpful! Note to self, it is not.

He again took it slow and started me out on a one hour ride. As the time increased so did the twists and turns on roads. He never took me on a ride I wasn’t prepared for and consistently noted improvements as I started to go with the flow of the bike.

Once he saw I enjoyed the ride, he suggested a tour pack. I remember saying “what’s that?” He described it as the big seat on back with arm rests. My exact response was “I am not old!” Too late, it was already ordered and on its way.

2nd bike, a 2022 Street Glide at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

I was determined not to like what I perceived as the old lady seat, but the comfort was too good to pass up. He also  changed out my foot pegs so I could reposition my legs and hips in four different positions. This was huge and allowed me to ride comfortably for 500+miles.

On our out of state rides, we have been approached many times and asked how long I ride. Most of the time it is by a

male rider who wants his wife/girlfriend to ride with him, but she won’t. Guys, make it comfortable for her. Give her time to adjust. If you bought something and it didn’t work, suck it up and try something else. I promise you, she will not want to ride out of pressure or guilt. She will want to ride with you if you express your desire for her to ride AND make it comfortable for her to do so. Also, this is a great opportunity for you to show your romantic side: pack a picnic, share a sunset, touch her leg while riding (trust me on this one!)

Texas bluebonnets in our home town.

I hope you have enjoyed this first blog. There are so many more to come. The next blog will focus on how to address the passenger’s fears if hesitant to ride.

The Blonde Backpack