Reading some social media posts not long ago a line from a late 1960s Arlo Guthrie song came to mind: “I don’t want a pickle. Just want to ride on my motor-sickle.”
I didn’t think it was possible for someone with MS to ride a “motor-sickle.” It appears I was wrong. A reasonable number of MS folks are doing just that.
Shannon Sorensen is one of them. She posted on the “We’re Not Drunk, We Have MS” Facebook group:
“My advice is have fun!! Be smart, take breaks, let the rest of your group know that you’re fine with (or not!) them maybe going ahead and you catching up if you need to, be open and honest with them!”
Karen Hall is another. She emailed me:
“I love the idea of riding, am very impressed with riders, but MS has tried to slap me stupid so I would stop riding. And that is why I ride my beautiful Can Am.”
The Can-Am Spyder is a three-wheeler. Karen says the three-wheel configuration allows her to compensate for her MS balance problems.
“When I’m feeling good I ride…I sometimes plan it when I’m having a good day and I’m stress free ill just get on and enjoy the breez.. i’m sure to take beverages to keep me hydrated and wear a helmet that has air vents built in..this also helps to keep me cool. It’s not about giving up what you love it’s just knowing your limits, you may not be able to ride as far as you used to but at the end of the day your riding and you’re enjoying yourself and doing what you love.”
Hints if you’re planning to ride
Denise Sellers has this advice:
- Make sure everyone in your group knows about your medical issues.
- Ask them to watch for signs that indicate something is “off.”
- Don’t push yourself just because they are pushing.
- Make sure you take frequent breaks to walk around, sitting for that long can cause all kinds of issues.
- Make sure to drink a lot of water and eat! Take snacks, you have to feed your brain and keep hydrated!!! You don’t want to get dehydrated or hungry on the road because it causes confusion… for me. And it happens fast, without you even realizing it.
- Make sure to wear sunblock, keep something cool on you all the time. I wear bandanas soaked in water and have cooling towels with me all the time. It’s super easy to get overheated on the bike just from the heat of the road!! MAKE SURE THE VENTS ARE OPEN ON YOUR HELMET!! Helps keep your head cool, I’ve been known to get my hair wet also. If so take a small ice chest with you for cold drinks and to keep other cooling towels, bandana’s and those cooling things that go around your neck.
- Don’t forget your meds and make sure to take them on time.
- Listen to your body.
Modifying your bike for MS
I wondered how I’d be able to shift the gears if I tried to ride a motorcycle. That’s usually done by raising or lowering a metal shift lever by flexing a foot up or down and that would be a real problem for me, since my left foot can’t flex. But I’ve discovered there’s an electric shifter that uses buttons on the left handlebar, so foot-shifting isn’t needed. And there are other modifications that can be made to make a bike “disabled accessible.”
Is it for you?
At nearly 70-years-old I’m not sure that I’m going to hop on a motorcycle, unless it’s as a passenger. It’s nice to know, however, there are MSers who can, and do, ride. And, who knows what may happen down the road? I try to never say never.
(This is an edited version of one of my columns on the Multiple Sclerosis News Today website).
I, an MS combatant for 18 years, have just completed M3 motorcycle license class, and have put over 1,000 miles on my Harley Trike since August of this summer with my 2 sons and wonderfully supportive husband . I too can’t throw my leg over, but a good grab and a sling of my right pants leg over the seat does the trick every time. Throw it over and slide down in the saddle! I was diagnosed when my oldest son was just a year, and have spent his whole life, along with all of my 13 year old’s life doing my best to not let it sideline me. You give me the feeling you are the same. The boys can quote my motto – ” I might do it different, but I can do the same things you do!”
I keep MS to my self, very few people in our small town know about me. I was actually researching Ampyra and stumbled into your site. This is the first time I’ve EVER publicly dealt with it. I just felt like you were realistic, and not self loathing. The article with the two videos was on point, the article about motorcycles was excellent, reminding people of the awful cliche ” I have MS, It doesn’t have me” but sometimes you need that reminder, especially when you cry Uncle and look for a medication that helps with walking. Need I say anymore?
Just, -Thanks for what you’re doing.
Tracey
I rode on the back until about 6 years ago. Now the issue would be getting my leg over to get on the seat.