PILLIONS
Whether you’re aproud passenger or are itching to make the switch to the rider’s seat, our experienced pillions are here to inspire you
‘For many, the rear seat becomes aspringboard to a licence of their own’
ADAM SHORROCK
There’s so much more to being a pillion than just sitting on the back of a bike. It’s an immersive and rewarding experience, and one that allows you to share in an adventure with the rider via a relationship of ultimate trust.
For many, the rear seat of a bike becomes a springboard to a licence of their own, learning to ride so that they can share adventures with biking pals and loved ones in a different way, as well as getting the chance to explore solo and forge new friendships.
WoMCN caught up with pillions who’ve made the switch to the rider’s seat to find out why they finally made the leap from back to front, and also heard from one dedicated pillion who’s happy to remain a passenger for life.
Angela Astley, 51, former-pillionturned Royal Enfield Himalayan rider
Time as a pillion: Nine years
Time as a rider: 18 months
“I have fond memories of riding on the back of friends’ mopeds in my teens and from there went on to ride pillion with my husband for around nine years. We toured Europe many times, and Scotland during Covid restrictions, there were so many wonderful experiences. As I neared my 50th, I decided it would be cool to learn to ride my own bike, so in September 2021 I took my CBT. In November 2023 I gained my full licence and have not looked back. It’s taken a long time to get confident but I’m really enjoying it now and I feel like a biker in my own right.
“My best pillion memories, and there are so many to choose from, are about the teamwork necessary to make two-up biking a success. This also applies to introducing our dog Louie to the sidecar. There’s so much involved and too much for one person. I love the fact that Sean and I work together as a team to make our travels the best
Kate experience possible. One fun memory is from March 2022 when we were touring Portugal. We noticed there were pylons and trees everywhere full of stork nests. As we chatted on our intercoms about these amazing birds, we ended up calling it stork talk!
“I’m looking forward to riding in Spain this year with Sean and Louie. It will be my first-time touring as a rider not pillion!”
Pam Sollers-Dominey, 62, pillion for life
Time as a pillion: 40 years
“I’ve been riding pillion since I was in my 20s and initially used to ride on the back of my then boyfriend, who later became my husband. We used to go out with friends, but I’d only go on the
