Riding as a Family

There has always been a debate about whether you should put children on your motorcycles. Safety is always paramount and essential. I believe one should have proper motorcycle training before placing anybody on the back of your bike, let alone your children. Additionally, I believe in all the gear all the time (ATGATT), and this goes for everyone on my bikes. My daughter wears a safety harness and learns proper techniques as a passenger for turns. We utilize headsets for constant communication so we can make each other aware of any potential situations. It would help if you decided what is best for you. The following is how Motorcycling has helped my family.

Now, doing any recreational activity as a family can bring you closer together. Ho

wever, motorcycling in my family has been a means for sharing memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. We have traveled the “Tale of the Dragon” in Georgia/Tennessee and Pennsylvania backroads as a family. I love the excitement Emily and Eric have for adventure. Motorcycling has helped my son with Asperger’s feel calm and engaged when he would otherwise prefer fewer stimulating activities. The sound of the motor and especially the wind passing by him provides positive sensory input and decreases his anxiety caused by Autism.

While we prepare for this long journey ahead of us, we will be practicing endurance and discuss safety with the children. We will base how long we will ride on their abilities and comfort. I love that my children ride with us. Even more, riding motorcycles with my husband have brought us closer together. We never really have a bad day when we are on our bikes. It is the best couples therapy I can think of because it fosters communication, teamwork, and shared experiences. My eldest son Ryann has just received his motorcycle endorsement after attending the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s basic rider course. I am proud of him and wish him a lifetime a beautiful rides. Hopefully, all my children will continue to love motorcycling as they grow-up. Remember the choice is personal wether to ride as a family. I know I have enjoyed every minute of spending time together as a family