Motorcycle Explorer October 2014 Issue 2 | Page 61

Two's Company
The Last Word
For balance we asked two other riding couples to share their thoughts
Françoise Pinget & Dick Lane
Riding as a couple is all about respecting
basic rules of conduct, agreeing on where to
go and how long to ride for, and
understanding each other’s abilities or riding
style. Over time a mutual understanding is
created and you blend together. It’s like
having an imaginary elastic band between
both riders. However, both must be
comfortable with being the leader or the
follower.
It will help to have similar riding skills to
avoid frustration so if there is a substantial
difference in riding abilities, get the practice
and experience needed to close the gap. Also
if there is any difference in the level of
fitness between riders one or the other must
make allowances.
Lolo & Scott Gibbins
When riding with your partner it’s important not to take things personally if something goes
wrong. Remember it is the situation, not each other, that’s the problem. Sharing problems
and worries really does halve them.
Keep a sense of humour. Be chilled, even if he is drying his undies on the back of the bike as
you ride and she looks like she’s having an epileptic fit as she sings along to AC/DC on her
satnav.
Accept each other’s roles and refrain from re-positioning tent pegs or commenting on the
choice of food for tea. After all rubber tent mallets aren’t that easy to get blood off.
Remember to have fun and stop whenever one of you wants to. It’s not an endurance test.
Golden rule: whoever is in front must be followed, even if they are on the third attempt to
find the right road round a town and your satnav insists they are wrong. Losing contact with
each other, and the difficulties of finding each other again (not to mention the removal of
conjugal rights) is far worse than having to retrace your tracks.
If you’re a girl be relaxed about the fact everywhere you go people will presume you’re the
pillion. Let the ill-informed have their conversation with the bloke allowing them more time
to put both feet in their mouths.