Shit happens, don't let it get you down. Learn from mistakes don't sit and anguish about them. I've had this almost happen with passengers on snowmobiles....you want to show them a fun time, and almost blow them off the back.
When "shit happens at work" (the largest dredging project ever undertaken), there's this sort of three-step evaluation for it....what went right, what went wrong, and lessons learned. Rather than chastize employees for a fuck up, it's taken as an opportunity to learn and prevent others from making the mistake again.
What Went Right
-Passenger was wearing a helmet, jacket and other gear
What Went Wrong
-Passenger was wearing a 3/4 helmet
-Lack of communication between operator and passenger.
Lessons Learned
-Full helmets are compulsory for any passenger
-More reasonable operation of equipment
-Installation of a passenger safety device (sissy bar)
One thing that honestly most guys don't realize is how....scary? It is to ride on the back of bikes, sleds, jetskis. As the operator, you've got the handlebars to anchor yourself and know what's going to happen. The passenger has a little strap on the seat, or grabbing a handful of your clothes....not exactly as good, and has no idea when you might nail it or make some other maneuver. Because guys virtually never "ride bitch" on anything....have no idea how difficult it is.
Since I almost dumped a passenger off my sled pulling a wheelie, I'm very cautious when operating anything 2up....strictly grandma driving. Won't say I don't get the speeds up there, but smooth is the key. Imagine the bolts on the handlebar clamp are very loose and drive accordingly.
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