I took Jen out for her first rides on the back of the bike this weekend; on Saturday, a quick jaunt around on some of the slightly-twisty roads around here, then back home on the freeway. Maybe about a half hour out, all told. I rode as carefully and as smoothly as I could, paid close attention to being gentle and even on the brakes, and generally tried to make her feel as comfortable as possible on the back, and when we got back home, Jen's first comment was something along the lines of "Wow, that was awesome!" Her second, of course, was "Could you go any faster next time?" Heh, heh, heh. Yes. Yes I can. :)

Sunday morning we rode out for brunch at a little cafe in Edmonds, and I was able to ride a little bit more aggressively; at least, not slowing to 15 before every corner, adding a little bit of lean, and generally riding a bit closer to my usual style (which, admittedly, isn't very hardcore). Good times. I like having her along, although Zoë definitely labors a bit more with another person on the back.

I feel like a lot of the agility that I take for granted is gone; the bike is much more difficult to turn, taking a lot more pressure on the bars. Front brake authority seems to fade as well; I have to use a lo t more of the rear. And it's a real challenge to keep my arms bent when decelerating; a lot of Jen's weight is transferred to me, and it's difficult to hold both of us up with my abs and back alone. Locking my arms against the bars helps, but of course that makes it very difficult to make fine steering adjustments.

And, of course, the acceleration I'm used to is gone. I think the best excuse I've yet seen for a bigger bike, for more horsepower at the rear wheel, is the challenge of taking a passenger. Maybe I do need that Speed Triple after all. :)