Notes from a Pillion - Two

Two

It must feel so nice to be in charge. What mammoth satisfaction must he derive from knowing every nook and corner of this machine! I can see it in his eyes. He knows exactly how to manoeuvre the 200 kg parallel twin beauty. And she responds to him like they have choreographed moves. It’s hard to miss how, together, they banter with unexpected and often unpleasant road conditions, and yet, excitedly return every time. And I? I think I’m the third wheel.

Remember those times when you misread the Time Table and carried an extra textbook to school? That weight pinched. When you’re a pillion, what can you do?

First base involves learning to sit. It might seem like child’s play initially but it won’t be long before you realise that your presence on that seat makes a lot of difference to how the motorcycle moves. Physics was an overwhelming subject for me but I know that if my weight shifts, my partner will have to make an effort to balance the machine. With carefully studied postures, you will gradually learn to rely on your buttocks, back and core to cover large distances without being a grain of sand in the rider’s shoe. When I was a new pillion, a 4-hour ride would entail taking a muscle relaxant. But over time, I believe my body developed the stamina to endure even longer rides. Our last ride measured 400 kms. I strongly suggest yoga and light weight-lifting to develop muscles that can support your ride and escape any sore spots. You want to be able to walk the next day.

Second base is spiritual in essence. On the highway, the mellow thunder of air, the straightness and the mild afternoon Sun will lull you into a languid state. You will experience a strong urge to sleep. You’re not the one having to focus continuously at length for kilometres or balance the weight of the blob behind your back getting transported. You have nothing to engage you, apart from an occasional stretch off the highway, or a red light, or perhaps another vehicles whizzing past. And you might wonder, why am I here? Well, you’re there because your partner loves his bike and you’re married and he wants you to ‘enjoy’. You might console yourself with the clichéd reverence to the journey. But when you’re sleepy, nothing’s sweeter than the tiniest possible nap. Now here, I would like to celebrate the wisdom of my chaperone. We take a short break every 60-80 minutes. In his words, “It seems insignificant but, it’s magical.” Take time to get off, take off the helmet, have a sip of water, stretch, and look around. When your feet touch unmoving Earth after an hour of being on the foot pedals, it will be cathartic. Of course, if possible, stop for coffee/tea. Being in southern India, we’re fortunate with tiny coffee shops and ample coconut water vendors on all routes. Remember it isn’t important to reach. It’s absolutely important to reach safe. You can’t sleep.

Your relationship will reach the climax of this journey when you learn to keep yourself engaged rather than being a vegetable. Personally, I don’t listen to music during the journey because I fear I might miss out on communication. We haven’t yet bought intercoms. But I have a routine. It begins with an exercise in deep breathing. I prepare myself mentally for the ride and am always grateful for the experiences that are in store for me. The views are always pretty, especially in the morning. I like noticing natural colours and patterns so that I may go home and employ them in my paintings. This is also a wonderful opportunity to fulfil one’s desire to be a singer, and not necessarily in the shower. Sometimes, I like to pretend that I am the one in charge and wonder how I would manoeuvre our bike. This is also the time when I reflect on my conversations with students, class practices, lessons and goals.

And when we have reached, I almost always feel that the journey was too short.?