Back in the Saddle Again by Brenda L. Bates, MA, CHt: A Book Review
Maverick - Apr 7, 2010

Brenda Bates is an avid motorcyclist, a behavioral health clinician, and an advocate for motorcyclists. Her intention, in writing Back in the Saddle Again appears to be to provide readers with practical techniques to remove psycho-emotional barriers or speed bumps to participating in activities, specifically motorcycling, which have historically provided joy and meaning for them.

The stated purpose of Back in the Saddle Again is to provide tools to help accident victims overcome fear of riding after a motorcycle accident. The very first paragraph of the Foreword says: “Whether you were involved in a traumatic motorcycle accident or you are experiencing indirect emotional trauma due to the accident of a friend or loved one, this book is for you.” 

After reading the title and a brief introduction to the book, my first thoughts were; how many motorcyclists, having experienced an accident, would care much about the psycho-emotional dynamics related to getting back on a motorcycle? After all, motorcyclists are tough and independent, most learned at a very young age:

• If you fall off a motorcycle, get back on as soon as possible! 
• Pretty much any accident fit the definition of falling off. 
• If you could get up, you could get back on.
• If you could get back on, it was business as usual.

After reading the book, I have determined that my initial thought process was shortsighted. We, in fact, live in a different time, and tough is not always the answer.

Bates knows what she is talking about and presents a systematic way of approaching the psycho-emotional dynamics experienced as a result of a motorcycle accident. Matter of fact, the ideas, techniques, and exercises the author presents are useful for dealing with any trauma, regardless of the root cause. 

In Chapters 1 through 3, the author provides a backdrop leading up to the ‘how to’ portion of her book.   By providing just enough information about the origin of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a discussion of the meaning of motorcycling or the extent to which a motorcyclist’s identity includes getting back on a motorcycle after an accident, and information about The Existential Motorcyclist, Bates validates motorcyclists, motorcycling, and the experience of motorcycling. 

She stops just short of saying that motorcyclists are superior beings.   Were it not for the potential alienation of various non-motorcyclists, Bates may have made the assertion implicit.

Some of the author’s presentation in Chapters 4 through 8 is pretty theoretical. Interesting in small bites, but theoretical. Readers may want to fast forward through these chapters and revisit as time allows and questions arise. Esoteric topics; e.g., Freedom, Meaning, Personal Responsibility, Fear and Anxiety,” and Existentialism and Death, while interesting and necessary background, may play havoc with a motorcyclist’s attention span.

Beginning in chapters 9 and10 – Rider’s Intuition and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies and Waking Hypnosis, Back in the Saddle Again ramps up to a new level of interest, not only for, coping with the post-traumatic dynamics of an accident, but also helping motorcyclists focus on proactive motorcycle operation assuring prevention of accidents.

At this point the author segues into a discussion of the essence of the book covered in its remaining chapters: i.e., Stages of Emotional Recovery, How to Overcome Fear of Riding, Debriefing, and “benefits of a support system;” e.g., owners groups. 

Bate’s techniques and exercises are framed in a systematic process that assure positive adaptation for those suffering from the impact of a traumatic event.  By patiently learning to identify PTSD symptoms, understanding the stages of recovery, and practicing these techniques, the psycho-emotional dynamics of trauma can be managed and overcome.

Back in the Saddle Again is distributed by J & P Cycles and it can be found in major bookstores.