Why two’s company when it comes to racking up the miles
Pillion passengers are forgotten by some, but never by MCN
Big-mile riders are hailed as heroes on the #ride5000miles Facebook page – and rightly so. But this week we focus on the unsung heroes; pillion passengers. Sharing an incredible road or adventure can make motorcycling even better, but those sat on the back are simply expected to soak it up. But countless #ride5000milers have been busy totting up high mileage two-up.
“My girlfriend Sarah and I have done over 8000 miles together this year,” R5K member, Lee Parsons, from North Wales, told MCN. “We spend most of our time two-up on the bike and have just come back from two weeks in Europe. I couldn’t ask for a better passenger.” As well as touring and weekend rides, some use
their shared love of motorcycles to mark life milestones. This includes John and Nikki Pollard, who celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary with a European trip on John’s Suzuki V-Strom 1000.
‘My girlfriend Sarah and I have done 8k this year’ R5K MEMBER LEE PARSONS
Starting on July 26 and returning home on August 12, the pair covered around 3000 miles, including five days in the Dolomites, incorporating the legendary Stelvio Pass.
“We both passed our tests in December 2015,” John, 56, told MCN. “We both now get out as much as we can. Nikki is well on the way to completing the 5000 on her own bike and my total is well past this figure.” Other tandem riders are now finding their feet after a lengthy break from motorcycling. Gill Sol joins husband Derek on a Honda Africa Twin and they now ride everywhere as a pair. Gill said: “I didn’t want to go out on a bike again after a long break, but Derek took me out a couple of times and was very careful and considerate and made sure the ride was smooth and enjoyable. I really loved it! “I also completed a rusty rider course with CAM Rider in Harlow and I haven’t looked back since.”