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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU & WWYD DH & DD1 motorbike trip....

193 replies

Babylon1 · 13/06/2012 03:27

DH and dd1 (7yo) are planning to go off to top of Scotland on DHs motorbike for approx a week in July.

I'm shit scared something bad will happen while they are away, and the last few nights it's played on my mind :(

DH says I'm bring daft and they'll be fine. He is a safe rider, but it's other road users that bother me.

DD has been on bike before, she has ALL the necessary safety wear and is comfortable on the bike. They will be doing a mixture of camping/travel inn and b&b.

Do I let her go? I will be at home with small DCs during this trip.

OP posts:
Original poster
Babylon1 · 20/07/2012 22:25

So, just to update, they're off on their epic road trip next Tuesday.

I'm anxious, and nervous and ok, bloody bricking it. It's gonna be the longest week of my life, but i can't not let her go, she had a brilliant school report and is really looking forward to the trip with her daddy :)

I'm wishing my life away, but I wish it was Monday 30th July now as they'll be back having had a brilliant time.

If anyone would like to give me weather updates next week, please feel free. Route is M1, A1M, A66 then finding the A82 towards Fort William and the Highlands.

I'll let you know they get back safe!

OP posts:
BarredfromhavingStella · 20/07/2012 22:47

Wow, what an experience for your daughter, she'll absolutely love it & so nice for her to have that time with her dad.

liketochat1 · 20/07/2012 22:51

Absolutely no way would I allow this. Motorcyclists are so much more vulnerable. If an adult decides to use one, that's up to them, but not a child.

OldLadyKnowsNothing · 20/07/2012 23:05

You might find this website useful, Babylon1. They'll have a wondeful time. :)

amicissimma · 20/07/2012 23:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AgentProvocateur · 20/07/2012 23:42

Make sure they've got midge repellant - they're out in force in the Western Highlands at the moment. Sad

Original poster
Babylon1 · 24/07/2012 02:52

So it's just over 4 hours until they set off Sad

The bike is packed and ready. They're both very excited. Meanwhile I'm lying here silently crying as I'm so scared something awful will happen Sad

Part of me is hoping that when they wake up they'll change their minds, but I know they won't.

It is going to be the longest week of my life without a doubt and I just want it to be next Monday already and they'll be back all safe.

Sorry for going on, I know i had the option of saying no a long time ago.

DH is snoring next to me - he has no idea I'm lying here crying Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
Babylon1 · 24/07/2012 02:53

PS thank you for all your reassurances too, and links etc - I really do appreciate it. Smile

OP posts:
Arana · 24/07/2012 03:31

I'm a biker and DH is a biker. We've said that the DCs can ride pillion when they get to 10 years old. I don't think they have the body strength or the resilience to do a long ride before that.

Original poster
Babylon1 · 24/07/2012 03:41

DD is quite strong, has been for longish rides and has a cissy bar to lean on. She can reach footpegs easily and sits comfortably.

OP posts:
Original poster
Babylon1 · 24/07/2012 04:40

Oh god they're gonna be up soon. Sad

I'm a mess Sad

I don't think I can let them go - DH will be so cross with me Sad

OP posts:
financialwizard · 24/07/2012 06:22

They will be fine Babylon1. You're just having a wobble.

fuzzypicklehead · 24/07/2012 06:43

OP, I get where you're coming from. My DH loves his bike and I know in a couple of years I'm going to be in the exact same position as you are. But it does sound like your DH has thought everything through to make the trip as safe and comfortable for DD as possible.

But I would say he "owes" you one hell of a treat upon his return to make up for the ulcers and grey hairs you'll gain as a result of the trip!

Original poster
Babylon1 · 24/07/2012 07:04

They've just gone Sad

I'm literally sobbing here, I'm so scared they won't make it back Sad I haven't slept, I feel awful. DS has his 2nd injections today and I just want them to come back home.

OP posts:
diddl · 24/07/2012 07:24

7 seems very young to me.

I´s not so much the thought of an accident-but I´d have missed my daughter like hell at that age.

TBH, there´s no way husband would have dreamt of taking one away & us not having a family holiday.

(Or maybe you are doing that also?)

Davinaaddict · 24/07/2012 08:18

Easier said than done, but try not to worry too much Babylon Smile They'll be fine, and will have a fantastic time. I would say try to get some rest, but of course as soon as you do, the first 100 mile phone call will come through Wink

What time is your appointment for DS's jabs? That will take your mind off it, I'm sure. We've got DD's 3rd jabs next week and I still haven't managed to get DH to take her instead of me. I'm such a wuss! He's at work though, so he has a good excuse Grin

Original poster
Babylon1 · 24/07/2012 08:57

Ok I've slept a little.

We are having a family holiday in a couple of weeks so I'm not missing out!!

OP posts:
nokidshere · 24/07/2012 09:08

I don't know anything about motorbikes to be honest but I am totally, totally amazed that a child as young as 7 is able to ride pillion? I would never have thought that was legal - I'm a bit gobsmacked!

Original poster
Babylon1 · 24/07/2012 09:18

Hi nokidshere I too was amazed, but the law states that as long as they can reach the footpegs comfortably, they are fine Smile

OP posts:
SardineQueen · 24/07/2012 09:35

Not read whole thread
Seen your DD is going
It will be fine, really it will
Loads of motorbike types in my family
I had an ex who used one as his only form of transport
Pillion loads
Hols in continental europe a few t.imes, hundreds of miles pillon
no probs
He is a sensible rider on a sensible bike, honestly it will be fine

Chin up Smile

bamboostalks · 24/07/2012 09:48

As you have posted in AIBU, I will be frank. You are bawling on your bed because there is clearly one part of your brain where good judgement still resides. Of course it is not ok for a 7 year old child to be zooming up a motorway at 70mph exposed on the back of a motorcycle. I can not believe this is legal. There are posters on this site who are fanatical about rear facing car seats, they should come and check this out. It is unbelievable.

stealthsquiggle · 24/07/2012 09:48

They will be fine, OP. I suspect they may not get as far or as fast as your DH had in mind as DD's attention span will probably decrease over the week, but they will be absolutely fine. He will be being so careful, and DD would never have forgiven you if you had pulled the plug at the last minute.

bamboostalks · 24/07/2012 09:51

It is not about being risk adverse either. Just because a ten year old's feet can touch the pedals ina car does not mean that they should receive their driving license.

Dozer · 24/07/2012 09:59

I think it's a bad decision to let her go. Phoning you every 100 miles makes no difference to their safety, and no matter how careful your DH he cannot control your v young Dd / other road users.

Also think it's selfish of your DH, if biking is his thing he should do it alone and do something else, safer, with your DD.

SardineQueen · 24/07/2012 10:03

She isn't driving the bike, bamboo, she is a passenger.
Do you think that children should not be passengers in cars as they are unable to drive? What a strange comparison.

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