With the Wind in Her Face - disabled older woman adapts a motorcycle - Brief Article - Column

Accent on Living, Spring, 2001

"There Goes That Crippled Lady on Her Motorcycle!"

One of the things that seemed impossible for me as I became more and more disabled with rheumatoid arthritis was riding a motorcycle. For many years, I did not even think of riding. Now I am not one of the folks that people typically think of when they think of motorcycle riders. I am just a mother and grandmother who enjoys a ride in the country every so often with the wind blowing in her face.

For many years, I mourned the loss of that freedom and that joy until challenged by a good friend with whom I used to ride. After all of my protesting, she and I ended up putting our heads together and figuring out a way for me to ride safely and have fun.

The first obstacle was choosing the right bike. I knew I would not be able to lift anything too heavy, nor could I control anything too powerful. My grip is weak and I have little strength of that sort. We settled on a small motorcycle with less power, but one that I could maneuver with my reduced strength. The second problem was clutching and braking. The clutch on a motorcycle and one of the brakes are hand controlled and my hands cannot control much anymore. We contacted a friend who is an expert and he suggested that the clutch and rake control be kept looser than generally accepted as normal. He double-checked to make sure that, though the controls were loose, they were within safety limits. Next, we had to tackle the problem of shifting. My left foot and ankle (the gear shift foot) are compromised by nerve damage and lack full range of motion. The solution included an ankle wrap that can be purchased at any drug store and boots that come up over the ankle and give good support.

Because I had not ridden a motorcycle in many years, I took a motorcycle safety course offered by our local community college and passed their rigid safety tests with flying colors. Because I am at more risk of falling than the average rider is, I always wear full protective clothing (long pants and long sleeves), helmet, and gloves. The gloves are standard motorcycling gloves, but they do help maintain my grip.

I carry a cane that telescopes and fits nicely strapped on the back of my bike with a bungee cord. I ride short distances only and only on "good" days (days when pain and stiffness are at a minimum). I generally ride with a buddy who knows my limitations and my need to stop before my joints gel from sitting in one position too long. My buddy also is there to assist me on and off my motorcycle if needed or to lend a steadying hand.

I cannot do any cross-country riding, nor can I ride without being extremely vigilant, but I can ride. Thanks to a friend who was not afraid to challenge my perception that my condition precluded anything like a motorcycle in my life, I can again enjoy a ride in the country with the wind in my face. There is one problem I have not been able to solve though. No one takes a handicapped placard seriously when it is attached to a motorcycle!