Cyclemates

cyclemates

FOR HARMONY IN THE SADDLE, SHOW THIS TO YOUR OLD LADY.

PAT JOHNSON

MOTORCYCLE SEATS will generally carry two persons in varying degrees of comfort, and for the most part, the passenger is usually female. As a female who has often occupied that position and has many miles of experience, I would like to offer some advice to female cyclemates.

The absolute first consideration is clothing! A combination of comfort, femininity and safety really can be accomplished. Pants may be snug, as long as they are tough enough to prevent gravel (or bug) pitted knees. Some trucks churn up the highway, and you will get your share. High heeled boots are preferable, as they are less likely to slip off footpegs. Gloves, windbreaker jackets and helmets offer warmth and bug-proofing. Before you start, firmly anchor anything that flaps or flops about. Even a soft strand of hair feels like the ('hiñese water torture after it swats your face for the millionth time. A scarf under the helmet saves some hairdo effort, but offer up a fervent plea that an enterprising manufacturer will soon develop satin-lined bouffant helmets for girls. Be sure the scarf is well tucked in or you may do a Snoopy act as you sail along, clenching it in your teeth.

On long trips, forego a few spare items so your partner retains some storage space to call his own. You may gain his undying devotion if you don’t stuff his pockets with comb, lipstick, etc. In brisk weather remember that while you are keeping his backside warm you may start feeling like a frozen rump roast. l uck the sleeping bags or other goodies up behind you; it helps a lot.

The first problem can arise when boarding the machine. Especially if you happen to be short or not particularly athletic. It helps if you are allowed to step on a foot peg before slinging a leg over, but if you do, always state loudly yout intention, or you may find yourself heaving up a grounded bike and a very unhappy ex-cyclemate.

After you are rolling along your way, try to show faith in your partner’s ability to ride and in his judgement of situations. In tight spots force yourself to restrain that instinct to bury your face in his back. It could destroy his self-confidence and alter his ego. Relax, enjoy the scenery and keep in mind that he can’t hear most of what you might say anyway. It's best to prearrange necessary signals. Otherwise you may find yourself screeching to an unscheduled stop when your intention was to point out the pretty birdies in the trees. A hand turned down can signal stop, while patting his tummy can signify hunger or something. This sign language you can develop with experience. If you relax enough to lean back, it’s just not fair to slap his hand when you are suddenly grabbed. He’s only checking to be sure you are still there probably.

Another point to determine in advance is just how and where he prefers you to hold on. Some guys favor a firm grip around the waist and others have machines with built-in handholds. A hand wrapped under his belt, if it’s a strong one, will do. First ascertain whether he is ticklish. If this is the case, watch it with the tummy hold, as it can cause the bike to wobble erratically. Forego belt loops, as they may not be firm. (And there goes the ego again.) On cold days and under favorable road conditions, his pockets may feel cozy, although it might create the wobble problem mentioned above.

Sudden stops have a way of clashing helmets together. A simple preventive measure here is to throw your chest forward at the first sign of slowing. He will certainly appreciate this, as it leaves no bruises on his back and no ringing of the ears. (It

may cause a little of that wobble however.) Also, refrain from peeking over his shoulder opposite the direction being turned. That’s known as "high siding.” Some males become unreasonably irate over this shifting of weight thing. Always maintain poise and balance. It is a good safety practice and it improves the old image.

If you attend an organized or tour meet, and plan to sleep, be sure to take a pair of ear plugs. The noise of hikes arriving all night probably won’t bother you, but some nut always snores loud enough to rattle the grass. Another question may pop up at these meets, that of whether you should sleep with hooks, buttons and zippers gouging all night, or hope there won’t be a brush fire and undress. Nowyou can just bet that anyone who carries ear plugs isn’t going to stay put for hooks, buttons or zippers. If this is also your attitude, it is necessary to excel at dressing inside a sleeping bag. Some of us give up the effort as impossible, close our eyes, stand up, and yank!

By now you have an idea of what to expect as a cyclemate. Often the solutions to problems are enough fun to make the problems worthwhile.