Over the years I’ve had the privilege of sharing my love of riding with others. I’ve helped many people learn to ride motorcycles so they could enjoy the thrill of our two-wheeled passion. In working with new riders, I’ve also learned a great deal about them and their friends. I’ve also gotten some first hand experience in the challenges new riders face when they leave the learning environment of a rider course.

I know you are excited about learning to ride and nervous about heading out on your own. You know others who ride and they’re the reason you got you interested in riding your own bike. You want to ride with them and you feel you can learn more from them. And you can as long as you don’t let them steal your fun.

"There’s two ways that they can take the fun out of your riding."

There’s two ways that they can take the fun out of your riding and neither of them is done intentionally. In fact, they may not even be aware they are doing it and it may not even be their fault that your fun meter is dropping. The cause is the manner in which they ride

The thing to remember is that they have 2, or 5, or 50 years of riding experience that you don’t have yet. You see them maneuver their motorcycle effortlessly and with what appears to be perfect control. They make it look so easy and you expect that you should be able to do it, too. When you struggle to emulate them, the fun starts to disappear as you get frustrated.

The second way they can steal your fun is to ride like they normally do. Their experience level allows them to just deal with things that come up. These same things that are “non-issues” for them may make you feel uncomfortable. If you’re not comfortable on you bike, you’re not having fun.

Maybe it’s taking a curve a little faster than you’re prepared to ride or maybe it’s dealing with changing road or weather conditions. Perhaps it’s jumping on the Interstate or riding in heavier traffic. Regardless of the situation, if you’re outside of your comfort zone, your riding enjoyment is greatly diminished.

The key to preventing your fun from being stolen is to ride your own bike. Ride it in whatever way makes you comfortable. Don’t expect yourself to be able to do the things they do yet. They’ve been riding longer and have more experience than you. And don’t try to keep up if it means riding over your head. You can always find a new route home. They’ll catch up with you eventually.

Just stay in your comfort zone. Your skills will get better every time you ride and your comfort zone will keep expanding. Just don’t let anyone steal your fun in the process.

Ride Smart! Ride Safe!