How to Dirt Bike with your significant other (maybe)

SUBMITTED ARTICLE
Author – Jordana Clark

When you love to dirt bike, there is a dream/hope/desire that maybe…

One day you will meet someone who loves it just as much as you. But what happens when that first ride goes sideways and you contemplate throwing the other person off the edge? – Here are 5 ways to make riding with your significant other easier…

1. Have a code

Is he/she yelling at you to do this or that and all you really need is for them to shut up so you can get your sh*t together? Well here is your key. From the words of a wise woman this has stopped many fights on the trail; “the 4-finger code.” Hold up all four fingers as clear as can be, which means “Don’t fucking coach me!” This will let them know you got this and you are going to rock that trail, or obstacle in your own sweet time. And if that isn’t quite your style use that as inspiration so you and your partner can come up with something that works for you both!
2. No “sorry’s” on the trail

You both signed up for this, so don’t be sorry. He/she knew getting into this situation with you that there might be some hiccups, so don’t be sorry. Just pick up the bike and get through it however you have to even if the other person is mad at you (even if it means pushing your bike through the gnarly sections – whatever you need). You’re most likely already part way into the trail and the only way out of there is with the bike so just don’t give up! This is your ride as much as theirs – use it to learn, push and grow as a rider. Don’t be sorry for that.

3. No crying

Crying is for injuries (if you feel the need)…and babies, not for the moments when you’re so scared you are going to pee your pants…or puke. If you are really that afraid of something you have to be honest and tell them, “hey, I don’t got this and I need help.” – Otherwise, you will probably get hurt. So if all else fails, and your partner turns out to be a massive asshole, save those tears. They aren’t worth it anyway. Besides, your goggles will fog and that’s a whole other problem.

4. Communicate

Lame, you’re supposed to be ripping! Though it is the key to all relationships and when you are able to actually do this on the trail it will make your life easier. If you do need help, listen and ask questions. Figure it out or neither of you will ever learn. NEVER tell the other person they aren’t fast enough or good enough for something. There are ways around the bluntness. This will kill their mojo and spirit right quick! Talk it out on the trail and remember the ride is about the ride – not your entire accumulated frustrations with the other person not doing the dishes! At the end of the day you both just need to ride out happy!

5. Freak outs

It’s ok to freak out, we all need to do it now and then BUT never freak out at your partner. Just yell, let it out, bust a move, whatever you need to do to release the tension. Then get your shit together and get going. Freak outs can be entertaining when you aren’t the focus and it’s not you and nothing fixes a crazy ride or moment on the trail more that someone making you laugh! Laughter literally can make fear disappear.At the end of the ride if you still feel like leaving your partner behind, first off don’t! That would not end well for either of you. And well, maybe you just aren’t cut out to be riding partners, and that’s ok too (doesn’t mean it’s the end)! You are supposed to ride because you love it, not to make anyone else feel shitty about their level or attitude (although I mean, you’re on a bike so cheer up!). Remember this is supposed to be a positive thing so make adjustments to your rides accordingly so you both roll up to the end of the trail happy and stoked on how rad the day was!

Do you have a great riding story or adventure you did with your Significant other? Did you have a great riding date that turned into something more? Let us know on our facebook page! www.facebook.com/dirtbikenews