Your husband or Significant Other surprises you one day by cruising up to your curb on a new motorcycle. He pats the passenger seat and says, “Let’s go for a ride!”
Whether you are quaking in your shoes or giddy with excitement at the prospect of tooling around the countryside riding pillion (biker term for what you will be, the passenger), take a few moments to prepare for this new chapter in your life.

Before you say yes, establish trust.

It does not matter if you just met the guy or have been married to him for 25 years; don’t get on his bike unless you know he can handle it, and you, with confidence and safety. Don’t accept the ride unless you are confident that he has experience on the road with passengers, and is a generally cautious, thoughtful person otherwise. If he likes to show off, don’t take a second ride.
Gear up.

Statistics for motorcycle accidents are sobering. You can reduce the risks of serious injuries with a few small investments. At the very least you need a DOT qualified helmet, a jacket (leather is ideal, denim will do), long, sturdy pants that do not flap in the breeze, boots that cover your ankles, and sturdy gloves that can be strapped tightly around your wrists. Protective eye gear is also necessary if you do not have a face shield on your helmet.

Try short rides first.

Riding a motorcycle gives you a buzz, literally. After about 100 miles you will need to get off and walk around to get the feeling back into your seat and legs. Because you are more exposed to the elements, riding can be exhausting. If you agree to take a ride for the first time, try a few miles, then build up from there.
Forget the stereotypes.

Riding pillion can be exhilarating. You can enjoy the ride and scenery without the worry of controlling the bike. You can see the architecture of the suspension bridge overhead, smell the fresh-mown hay in the countryside, and feel the heady sensation of flight.

Go ahead, enjoy the outdoors, and the road, as you never have before. Instead of seeing the destination as the highpoint, the joy will be in the journey. Once you conquer your jitters and get the safety gear in order, riding can be like your fountain of youth! And you might eventually decide, like many other women have, to get a ride of your own.