Who is a rider?
Debby Kreider - Dec 8, 2006

“Do you ride?” A question I am frequently asked by people wanting to initiate a conversation after noticing I am wearing a Harley shirt or jacket. The conversation usually continues something like this.

 

“Yes, I ride.” I respond wanting to be friendly.

“Do you have your own bike?” they ask interestedly. 

“Yes, I have my own bike,” I respond knowing exactly where this conversation is headed. 

Continuing the conversation, they ask curiously, “What kind of bike do you ride?”

I tell them, “We have a Harley Ultra Classic.”

“Oh, your husband rides, too?” is the response sounding almost relieved that I have a riding partner. 

“What does he ride?”

 

It is sometimes awkward to answer the questions that follow. You see, I ride two-up with my husband on my bike. Until this year, he had a Harley Softail Deuce. But, as our trips began exceeding 5,000 miles, I wanted to have clothing options available, storage space, a comfortable pair of shoes, cosmetics, and hair products. A concept that remains foreign to my husband. I was also tired of wearing full leathers in the 100 degree heat in Nebraska, because there is no place to store them. A comfortable seat and a back rest had appeal, too. 

 

As a working girl, I decided to buy my own bike. One that could provide some of the luxuries I craved. When we picked up that beautiful Lava Red Sunglow Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic all chromed out, I handed the keys to my husband. That action remains a great mystery to many people, but made perfect sense to me.  I love to ride motorcycles, but I have no interest in driving a motorcycle; an amazing phenomenon to those unable to separate the joy of riding a motorcycle from the thrill of driving a motorcycle.

 

So back to that question of ‘do you ride;’ I think one must first define ‘ride.’ To many, being a rider is interchangeable with being the driver. And, if you aren’t driving the bike, you are wasting your time. But to me, the ‘rider’ is the person who occupies the space behind the driver. The ‘driver’ is the person who operates the motorcycle. The fact that I am a rider does not mean I am the driver of the motorcycle. It also does not mean that because I choose not to drive a motorcycle that I sit on the back with nothing to do. I consider the role of the rider as one offering many opportunities. Let me share a few of my responsibilities as a rider with you.

 

Let me start by pointing out that I recognize the clumsiness of the position behind the driver – the pillion seat. A space that is small and narrow. Mounting the bike requires smooth, coordinated movements, with an increased degree of difficulty when dressed in chaps and rain gear, to avoid pulling the driver off balance. The windshield offers little benefit from wind or rain to the rider. In a seated position, the rider has to straddle the driver’s body, knees pointed out, and must be comfortable with the driver’s head and shoulders directly in front of them. With this in mind, I can happily perform all the following responsibilities in that position.

 

The Ghost Rider

In this role, my goal is to not interfere with my husband’s ability to drive or balance the bike in any way; like I am not even on the bike – a ghost. I don’t hang on his shoulders, lean from one side to the other looking around, maintain a death grip around his chest, or constantly chatter and distract him. Chances are if I did, we wouldn’t be riding together. 

 

The Greeter

Waving is important to bikers. A friendly wave to passing bikers is almost expected. There are almost as many different styles of waves as there are different bikers. Sometimes, my driver is occupied and unable to wave. That is where I come in. I make sure we offend no one and always provide a friendly wave.

 

The Navigator

Let’s pretend you are in LA, Chicago, or any city traffic situation and need directions or help watching for road signs.  While my driver is busy navigating the traffic, I am his own personal navigation system. I carry the map and can provide up-to-date progress reports and help guide us to the correct lanes for exits. I also watch for destinations, hotels, gas stations, and restaurants leaving my driver available to focus on driving.

 

The Traffic Cop and Trouble Shooter

Any one who rides a motorcycle knows how important it is to watch out for cars: cars changing lanes, cars entering the highway, cars playing games with motorcycles. It is also helpful for a driver to have an extra pair of eyes when changing lanes in traffic. I watch traffic as though I am driving the bike myself. I can see traffic behind us in our bike’s rearview mirrors, and usually pick up on drivers who are playing games first. Unlike my husband, I can turn, look the problem driver in the eye, get a license plate number, and not jeopardize our safety.

 

The Lookout

Bear in the bush! It is much easier for me to scout for cops than my husband. He, of course, is driving the bike. I can watch for speed traps and cops hiding along the roadway. Obviously, it is better not to speed, but sometimes you just can’t help it; like in Kansas, Utah, Highway 50 in Nevada, or the desert. And, what about those unfamiliar reduced speed areas on the way to rallies. A lookout is always good to have on the back of the bike.

 

The Banker

We have found toll booth stops to be tricky places, especially in the rain. Oil from cars can make them slippery, and sometimes there is gravel. Our solution is for me to manage the money, the tickets, the National Park cards and maps, etc. I always have a small purse or wallet fastened to my belt. I keep everything needed to facilitate speed and safety through toll areas. My husband hands are free to focus on handling the bike. We use this same system for gas stops, too. I run the credit card or pay for the gas, while my husband pumps the gas.  This proved a nice advantage on a recent Iron Butt ride. We hummed through gas stops like an efficient pit crew. We covered 1,200 miles in 17 hours, so there was very little time to stop for anything.

 

Photographer

My small digital camera fits into the purse on my belt mentioned above. Perfect for capturing shots going down the highway when there isn’t time for a photo stop. We have been able to get good action shots of friends riding their bikes with beautiful scenery in the background, and some funny shots, too. So, official photographer is another duty.

 

Food Service

I get anxious when we are driving down the road and I see my husband trying to open a water bottle or food package; both hands off the handlebars. I used to remind him that one of us should be driving the bike. But, my new approach works better. Enter Food Service Girl. I open the water bottles, take the cap off the Chap Stick and hand it forward, and feed him gun, candy, and snacks. I can also reach around under his arms and help him put on or take off gloves and zip his jacket. Oh, the things I can do!

 

Wildlife spotter

Everyone needs a wildlife spotter, especially during early morning or late day rides. I scan the countryside for any evidence of furry, little animals intent on becoming road kill and taking us down with them. In open range areas in the West, often times it is sheep or cows on the road. Cows aren’t as eager to surrender the road as deer, and a bull might just decide to challenge your authority. Occasionally, spotter skills can be used to point out animals content to graze the fields or climb the mountains that might have been missed otherwise.

 

Tour guide

It is a fine line between distracting the driver and enhancing the ride. A good tour guide should be able to distinguish the difference. I would like to think I am the latter. My husband is an ‘it’s the ride, not the destination’ kind of guy. He could ride for hours and hours and days and days without stopping. My job is to make the ride interesting enough that he will want to stop; therefore, I do my homework prior to the trip when possible. Learn interesting things about the route or area and point them out during the ride. Watch for scenery and tourist signs and information along the way.  Some of the best experiences on a trip are the things you happen across.

 

So, now I ask you. Am I not a ‘rider?’ Is my role less challenging because I don’t turn the key? Perhaps, we are all ‘riders’ as we travel down the road.

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