First Time Taking A Pillion

We were both nervous – I had never taken a pillion before and she had never been on a bike before. How would the bike behave? How different would it be in the corners? These are the sorts of questions that raced through my mind. A strong cup of coffee later and I had a route in mind. I wanted to stay off the major (dual carriageway) type roads, but at the same time, I wanted my pillion to be able to see something – the weather was fine and the first experience can so often dictate your view of something, for me, it was imperative that this first run was not only a success, it was fun and interesting too.

I chose Nendrum Monastic Site as our destination. Firstly, I knew the roads there were B roads, tight, twisty but also with good straights as well as spectacular views over Strangford Lough. Secondly, Nendrum itself is a fantastic place, and has a cool vibe. The main(ish) road to Comber was a bit nervy at first, she was counter-leaning (instinctively) with the bike then sharply correcting into an upright position, but we soon got over that and the bike handled well. I was surprised how similar the handling was to just me riding it. Although I had to be gentler leaning into the corners, use the back brake a bit more than normal and be more gradual with my throttle application, other than that all was the same. I think in part the nerves came from the more than usual heightened fear of a slide or coming off, as I was so concerned with making sure she was safe.

The church ruins at Nendrum

The crispness of the air as it rushed in the vents in my helmet made me feel invigorated, and with each passing corner, we were both gaining in confidence; although occasionally there was a slight clash of helmets as I braked hard. Just outside Comber, I turned off to head towards Mahee Island and Nendrum. The roads were slightly greasy and this was compounded by tractors having dredged sods of soil and stones onto certain parts of the roads. But again, even in these conditions, we were fine – although there were one or two ‘squirrel[y]’ moments. We passed into the headland that protrudes into Strangford Lough, the sunlight glinting off the water surface. The smell of vegetable crops in the warm air was a pleasant change in what was clearly the first day of Spring (or at least it felt like it). We passed walkers giving a friendly wave and I was glad of the internal sun visor. Once on Mahee Island, we passed Mahee Castle, and I explained that I had excavated there many years ago. Now looking a tad over-restored in my humble opinion, but nevertheless a picturesque location.

Once at Nendrum we climbed to the top and the inner enclosure, the earliest church dating to the 6th Century.We took in the view and opened the coffee flask. Taking in the panaroma, with the Lough stretching to the east and Portaferry and Strangford to the south. I think we were both sitting taking it all in - that quiet contemplation that these sorts of places seem to induce.

We were then off down the road to Killyleagy - the straights and undulations of the roads are something to behold, and on a bike, on a nice day I don't think there is anything nicer. On more than one occasion we were caught behind a Sunday driver, and a racing bike overtook us at full chat, the engine wailing as it did so. I know it made me jump as he seemed to come from out of nowhere. We parked up at the harbour in Killyleagh, sitting down to overlook what were now really quite choppy waters. The boats bobbed relentlessly struggling to keep to their moorings. You could taste the salt on the sea air, surely good for you?! We pootled out of Killyleagh, retracing our steps back home. I can't wait to do it again!