Being a pillion on a motorcycle has so many challenging elements, it’s something I think people assume is no big deal! I get asked all the time as to why I don’t ride, why I don’t have my own bike, why do I sit on the back of my husband’s bike? There must be something wrong with me… right?? The fact is I’m completely happy being a pillion.
From the beginning of our overseas journey throughout South America and up until now it has always been an issue for me when I was asked these questions. I never knew what to say and almost dreaded being asked. I felt like a lesser person sitting on the back to anyone who was riding and talking to other female riders was always a hard task which left me feeling so inadequate; I think it’s bloody hard work being a pillion. Before we left Melbourne, Australia I had absolutely no idea how massive and challenging this journey was going to be as a pillion, It was something I had not taken on board and thought the travel was going to be more fairy-tale like…I hadn’t considered that when my rider was feeling tired or “doing it tough” I was going to be the one that had to bring his spirits up again, insist on taking a break and monitor any signs of fatigue as I am his support person. I was going to have to put all my trust and faith in my rider and their capabilities, which is harder to do than you think. You have zero control over the bike and what may happen. You feel every bump, stone or hole you ride over wondering if the bike is going to skip out, or worse “hit the deck”. You need to learn to move with the bike, stand up on the pegs, balance on the shoulders of your rider and hope they have big strong arms with large motorbike shoulder pads to help you grab onto… You also need to bend those knees and squat like you’re in a step aerobics class and learn to deal with all those horrible dirt, loose stone, sand and muddy road situations that may and probably will occur, at some point. All while trying not to freak your rider out!! ???? I guess it may be different for other pillions but for us this is how we roll!! ????
I believe being a pillion is not for the weak, in fact, it takes teamwork, lots of communication and patience. ???? As part of my “pillion duties” I seem to be the one that jumps on and off the bike allot, doing most of the accommodation inquiring. I guess it’s easier for me to jump on and off the bike allot more than it is for my husband. Another pillion duty is to help push the bike out of those “difficult situations” or to just help reverse the bike. ???? And I seem to be the one who is known to be the human dip stick!!! Yes, that’s right, I as the pillion are the one who walks through various rivers, creeks and even lakes to see how deep it is and to see if the bike can make it through. Never a fun job even if the rider does think it’s funny.. ????
When we first started this adventure journey I refused to stand up on the back of the bike. Just the thought of this would send me into an emotional meltdown, it was a real issue for both of us, I just couldn’t relax and was always so nervous. All I would see while my husband stood on the pegs during difficult sections was his behind! He considered buying some Valium, just to relax me, it was that bad!! It’s funny how things change over time when you start to get used to the environment you’re traveling through. You start to trust the road conditions a little and off course your rider… You learn to relax and to just take a deep breath. I started thinking to myself that whatever was going to happen would happen and that I am wearing all the motorbike gear to be okay if it does. It’s still scary at times but allot better…
But on the up side of being a pillion, you get to take in all the country has to offer. The mountains, the glaciers, the landscapes and the people walking or riding by. You get to play with your GoPro and take as many photos and video as you like. While the rider is concentrating on the road and the conditions you get to see so much more. That is when you’re not fixated on the dirt and stony road your riding on…. ????
Another fantastic bonus for me is that my relationship with my husband has blossomed to another level. Spending so much time together has made us a force not to reckoned with!! We laugh, joke, fight and experience everything together. I love it. ❤ And when those moments of disagreement and frustration occur we make up quickly as you really can’t be angry with someone for too long when you’re on the same motorbike. I think my husband and I ride well together. We seem to be in sync with each other. We stand at the same time and move similar without words being spoken. It’s something that has happened over time. Being a pillion is an important part of the team. It’s a job that is just as important as the job the rider has. Your responsibilities may be different but without each other our team is not complete. So, from now on I will wear my “pillion in a million” badge with pride and not feel ashamed or a lesser person because I don’t have a motorbike license. ????
