A view of Uganda: Spinner

Take a look at the picture closely. Yes, that is a motorcycle. Yes, it does carry two individuals and a load of lumber. All of these things are very obvious. What is also obvious is that this is not the way we as Americans would deliver a load of lumber. Additionally, I'm pretty sure one of our nice police officers would pull you over if he saw you transporting lumber this way. In fact, the Oregon Motorcycle Driver Manual states:

"Most motorcycles are not designed to carry much cargo. Small loads can be carried safely if positioned and fastened properly."

Maybe it's just that this isn't "most mostorcyles."

Anyway - the scene in the picture was not a one-time sight. It happened again and again. Sometimes heavier loads, sometimes multiple people, sometimes you just wondered how they stayed upright. What I know for sure is that during one road trip the male members of ourgroup decided upon a name for these types of cargo-carriers.

I believe the term they decided upon was "spinners."

You see, these motorcyle drivers and their loads would quickly zip in and out of traffic. This would, of course, leave one wondering just what would happen if they caught just the very edge of the load on the side of another vehicle. What exactly would happen to a motorcyle loaded like this during that type of collision?

The answer: It would be a "spinner."

My only explanation is that the guys decided that if you caught the edge just right, the motorcycle would be lifted up and then, in helicopter fashion, take off spinning through the air.

Thus, the "spinner."

We never did get to see a test of their theory (thankfully). What we did hear was a frequent call of "Spinner!" from the back of the vehicle.

May God protect all of the "Spinners."