I realize the most oft used term is "bitch", but somehow, I think my 15 year old son would take issue with that. :rolleyes:

My son goes to his dad's every other weekend and I really wanted to start taking the bike for these trips - it's about 20-25 miles each way. Back country roads, two lane highway turning on to a 4 lane.

My son is only about 100lbs and has a little experience riding on the back of his dad's HD. I was a little nervous, since I've only been riding for ... well... 28 days and ... well.. this is my first born child.

Being the mother I am, I made him wear my leather jacket & my old full face helmet.

So, I pulled out, he got on (I was parked in a bit of a tight spot) and we rode up to the HS parking lot. I did a few turns, a few figure 8s, a fast stop and off we went.

He really is an excellent rider - after a few minutes, I barely knew he was there... (I actually had to check my mirror to make sure he was! :clap: )

Riding along the back country road (very windy and curvy), I see signs for road work ... then big signs announcing the road has been recently oiled and graveled, and to be ware of oil spots and loose gravel. :rubeyes: :shock:

AHHH! Jeez, guys, why not just lay down a solid sheet of ice for me instead, eh?

I slowed to about 25-30mph and we made it through just fine, but it scared the hell out of me. :whew:

We made it just fine to his dad's - though he did complain about the shocks and said his butt hurt. (mine usually does too - I do need to see about adjusting the shocks).

His dad told him he's just spoiled from the HD. (But he did give me advice on how to adjust the shocks).

One of his HD buddies was there and checked out my bike... he kept saying "What the...?!" and finally decided he couldn't ride it, because he'd kill himself on it (rear brake where the clutch normally is, etc).

The ride back was much more relaxed (no kiddo on the back to worry about). There is *definitely* a difference - takes longer to stop when braking, my speed was lower for the throttle, I slowed much faster when I eased off the throttle, felt the bumps more - but I'm glad we did it and I'm sure it will get more comfortable as time goes on.

He's definitely a good rider, though - gently rested his hands on my waist, didn't crowd me at all, leaned with me perfectly.

*heh*
Wonder how many other kids get dropped off by BOTH parents on a bike? :lolsign: :moto:

Great story !!


Just do not get this part....

The term most often used for a passenger on the bike (least around here) is "the bitch" (as in, "riding bitch", the "bitch bar" (the backrest for the passenger), etc).

I thought it was a common term everywhere, but perhaps not? :oops:

:okthumb: now I get the second part !!

:shock: :lolsign:

It is here.

:old: I always call it riding bitch unless it is my son. When he first stated riding on the back he had a death grip on me and would climb up me to get on. Now he just lays back on the Bitch bar and would fall asleep if I didn't make him stay awake. I can tell because he slides forward when I brake and he is almost asleep. And he has grown a lot and no longer has to use me as ladder to get on. Peg room is getting short though since he started wearing 12's

:hahaha:
Indeed!!

:yes:

:cool:

I used to ride bitch with my exh (my son's father) and I always used to fall asleep on the back (thank goodness for bitch bars!) - I just found riding to be so relaxing.

Of course, riding on my own is not nearly as relaxing... :hahaha:

But it is more fun!

How old is your son, Pops?

I was really excited to take my older one on the bike. Be fun when my younger gets of an age where I can trust him to hold on. He's five now, so almost... maybe another year or so.

:old: Brandon is 13 going on 40, he was 7 the first time he got on the back with me

Very cool.

Well, my younger is 5 (5y6m, actually), so hopefully in the next year or two he'll be ready to ride a little bit.

(He fluctuates between 5 going on 35 and 5 going on 2.)

Sounds like a good ride and learning experience. Riding is an enjoyable way to get from point A to B. The 15 year old will probably be bugging you to get his own bike soon, if he has not already. Then you can ride together.

Oh, he has been - since the day I got it. :rolleyes:

But, since he has just turned 15 this month, he has at least a year to wait. He needs to get more experience driving a car, turn 16 (so he can get his permit) and then we'll work on riding...