We meet a lot of people and they frequently ask me - “Do you ride as well?” As soon as I answer, “No, not yet,” I get that, “Oh!” The two-letter word that says so much. What most people don’t know, especially bikers themselves that look down on pillions, is that being a pillion requires a different kind of strength. It requires patience and a high level of trust that not everyone is capable of. I always joke with Daryl telling him that I wish he gets reincarnated as a pillion passenger behind a rider like himself! But what am I trying to say after all? What do I expect and why does this make me a little upset? Don’t get me wrong. I don’t expect people to call me a biker – even though I’ve been traveling on a motorcycle for more than a year. However, I expect respect and a different kind of appreciation. This makes me think of all the mothers and housewives that God knows how many times they were told that they are JUST that. It’s like they sit at home all day, right? It’s so simple. People who look down on pillions have no idea what it’s like to be one. A pillion has to trust in a good road, be strong enough off-road and compromise and do what is needed all the times in between. The pushing, pulling, walking uphill in all kinds of weather when the terrain is too rough for two people. All of this requires strength. I look forward to the day I start riding, and when I do, I’ll be able to compare both roles in better words. In the meantime, I spoke to three other women for more insight on this topic.
Upshift Issue 29 - January 2019
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