Today I took my fiance for a ride for the first time ever. It was a short ride, basically just around the block but the feeling was amazing. It is easy to jump ahead of things and I can see so many possibilities for us riding together, around Madrid and in the world. But first we need to practise. For me, after riding solo for 14 years, it takes some adjustments to ride with a pillion, and for him having never been on a bike before, even more so.

On my part, the bike feels so heavy riding two-up, and it takes an effort holding it when braking for a stop. I must also brake and accelerate with moderation not to have him bouncing around on the pillion seat. The most prominent change is the braking distance and that I can’t move the bike around as easily as I do riding alone. Also, I must take care not to become unbalanced when coming to a stop, I suspect that I won’t be able to hold the bike upright if it happens.

The good weather has arrived now and hopefully there won’t be so much traffic out tomorrow at lunchtime so we can practise some more.