Alright let’s get into it. Sharing what I learned about riding as a passenger after being thrown off once before. Yeah, seriously. Buckle up.
The Awkward First Try
Hopped on the back of Mike’s bike last summer feeling like an idiot. Thought you just sit there, right? Held onto his waist like a tourist hanging on to a buoy. First corner? Nearly flew off the damn thing. Felt my whole body sliding sideways, panicked, pulled Mike backwards way too hard. Almost dumped us both. Scared the crap outta me. Got back feeling like my spine was smashed and my butt bones were ground meat. Total mess. Decided right then – gotta figure this out properly.
So I Asked & Watched
Didn’t wanna be that useless sack of potatoes again. Talked to seasoned pillions at Mike’s bike hangout spot. Watched people actually getting on bikes smoothly. Noticed small things:
- Grabbing handles wrong: Some people cling to the rider’s shoulders like a monkey – terrible idea.
- Bracing wrong: Putting your feet down instinctively when slowing? Bad move. Gets your ankles crushed.
- Leaning weird: Either fighting the lean or leaning way too much before the rider. Both awkward.
Suddenly my first disaster ride made sense. I was doing all the worst things instinctively.
My Practice Grounds
Told Mike I needed practice runs. Started small:
- Getting On & Off: Waited for him to say his bike was balanced and ready. Used the footpeg as a step, swung the other leg over smoothly like mounting a slightly angry horse. Getting off? Waited until I felt him planted firmly on both feet. No jumping off early. This basic step made a huge difference in feeling less clumsy.
- Where to Put Your Hands: If the bike has a grab rail? Clutch that thing like your coffee depends on it. Only held Mike’s waist when no rail existed. Kept my grip firm but steady – no sudden jerky pulls.
- Foot Pegs Are Gold: Forced myself to keep the balls of my feet planted on those pegs always. Even at stops. Resisted the instinct to plant my whole foot flat on the ground. Saved my ankles multiple times during practice stops. Trust the rider to balance.
- The Leaning Thing: This was hardest. Practiced keeping my spine in line with Mike’s spine. Like we were glued together. Leaned with him, not independently, and only when he started the lean. Felt unnatural at first, fighting my body’s panic. Focused on looking over his shoulder into the turn, not straight down at the road. Game changer.
- Moving Together: Braking and accelerating felt super shaky initially. Practiced bracing lightly backwards with my legs against the pegs when braking – prevents you slamming into the rider. Accelerating? Lean forward slightly with the bike’s motion. Kept my core tight to avoid flopping. Took a bunch of short rides just working on anticipating Mike’s inputs.
Small Things That Became Big
Picked up little tricks along the way:
- Helmet Communication: Got cheap helmet comms. Whispering “slow down” beats frantic tapping or screaming into the wind. Calmer for everyone.
- Talk Before Starting: Quick chat before helmets go on: “Long trip? Short cruise? Need fuel?” Sets expectations.
- No Surprises: Absolutely no shifting around suddenly, digging in pockets, or crazy head-turning once moving. Warn the rider before you need to scratch your nose. Sudden moves feel huge on the bike.
- Secure Stuff: Loose jackets, scarves, bags? Zip it, tuck it, secure it. Flapping stuff is annoying and distracting. Sat on the end of my jacket once – dumb.
The Final Test & Feels
Took a longer hour-long ride last week. Felt… smooth. Relaxed even. No butt pain. No backache. No feeling like I was about to die on corners. Actually enjoyed the scenery instead of white-knuckling. Mike said I felt solid back there. High praise! Key was keeping it simple: core tight, look where we’re going, move with the bike and rider, not against it. Sounds obvious now, but takes practice to unlearn bad instincts. Feels totally different being a competent passenger. Less scared sack, more co-pilot.
Wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I definitely don’t dread hopping on the back anymore. Actually find it fun now. Main takeaway? Don’t just sit there. Learn how to be a passenger properly.
