Couples Therapy – with care…Happy Valentine’s Day!

So you decided on a romantic motorcycle ride with your partner to one of those awesome destinations we enjoy in South Florida. Most motorcycle enthusiasts will opt for that special ride down to the Keys, a cruise up north to West Palm Beach, a quick trip along US27 to Café 27 or some other popular biker restaurant/bar destination. What a great feeling! You grab something to eat with your partner you decide to have a beer or two. Hmm, is that the best choice of beverage to wash down that great burger?

Fact: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes are 2.5 times more likely to have consumed alcohol than passenger vehicle drivers.

Here is where you need to weigh your options and think what 1 or 2 beers can translate to. Some riders think that because of their size, height, or college experience in drinking, they can handle alcohol without a problem and ride a motorcycle. Now, If you want to experience drinking and riding, you don’t even have to drink. Just try this experiment:

– Spin around 10-15 times as fast as you can with your arms out as you probably did when you were a kid. This is guaranteed to get you dizzy!
– Immediately, put your arms out as if you are riding and try to walk a straight line.

How did that feel? Your head and arms lack basic coordination with your body in addition to experiencing difficulties trying to walk straight. Drinking and riding gives you a similar experience. Remember, the motorcycle will go in the direction of your eyesight or where you are looking. So imagine feeling like this riding a motorcycle?

It is also true that everyone’s tolerance for alcohol is different but riding is not the best time to test how much you can drink before feeling tipsy. Remember, not only are you putting yourself at risk but also that special person that is sitting behind you and trusts in your riding skills to get them home safe.

Ride smart, safe and Happy Valentine’s Day!