The article “Precious Cargo” by Bud Miller was originally published on the “RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel” magazine website on 1/20/2013.
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” -Khalil Gibran.
Cori and I visited her stepmother Gladys last summer on a riding/hiking weekend. Gladys is a kind soul, a family matriarch much like my own mother, the keeper of the flame so to speak, a rock. Gladys, like my mother, is the one everyone comes to, fair, honest, loving, she does the work of a family. After a nice visit Cori and I geared up to leave, as we did Gladys said to “be careful”, so I said I would. Then she said, “you’ve got precious cargo there.” I agreed and we rode off.
As we rode I thought about what she said and how riding two-up carries with it special responsibilities and considerations. A passenger on a motorcycle is completely at the mercy of the driver and has placed total trust in the driver’s ability. That’s a tremendous responsibility and one I take very seriously. Riding two-up changes the handling characteristics of a motorcycle due to the added weight. Braking and acceleration will each take longer than they do when riding solo. I feel strongly that the trust Cori puts in me deserves to be protected by riding responsibly and under control so as to put her at ease.
Riding with the guys, we get the occasional ribbing about the intercom system and how I can tune her out if I want to. Honestly, the time spent in that riding cocoon is precious too. Being free from the distraction of everyday life lets us talk about what we’re seeing, where we’re headed, and just lets us just soak in the sun together, sometimes in total silence with only the occasional touch or gentle pat or squeeze. “Love is trembling happiness” is another of my favorite quotes from Khalil Gibran and sometimes when we’re riding I can’t imagine being much happier.
I try to be a safe and responsible rider and never more so than when carrying precious cargo.