From Fear to Freedom: How Learning to Ride a Motorcycle Changed My Life
The Time I Decided to Ride a Motorcycle (and What It Taught Me About Fear)
The moment I decided to learn how to ride a motorcycle wasn’t about practicality—it was about the rush. I’ve always loved speed. Skiing used to be my go-to for that exhilarating, heart-pounding thrill—powerful, in control, and fully alive. But after spending a few years as a passenger on a motorcycle, I wanted more. I wanted to be the one gripping the handlebars, feeling the wind, chasing that freedom for myself.
But let’s be real—I was terrified. After tearing my ACL twice, the thought of getting hurt again almost kept me from even trying. Still, that pull to step outside my comfort zone was stronger than my fear. I had to do it. I had to ride.
Learning to Ride: The Mental Overload Was Real
When I first started learning, I was overwhelmed by just how much there was to keep track of. My brain felt like it was juggling a thousand things at once; clutch, brake, throttle, turn signals, balance, mirrors, traffic. It was like trying to pat my head, rub my stomach, and do my taxes at the same time.
Then, someone gave me the best advice: chunk the movements. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I focused on one thing at a time—shifting first, then braking, then turning. It clicked. Suddenly, I wasn’t drowning in details; I was actually learning.
And let’s not forget my very humble beginnings. I started at absolute zero—didn’t even know where the key went. I literally rolled the bike forward with my feet like a toddler on a balance bike. It was ridiculous, but it worked. Small steps built confidence, and confidence built progress.
The Crushing Moment I Failed My Test (and What I Did Next)
After weeks of practice, I finally felt like I was getting the hang of it. I could balance, ride in circles, even nail the tight turns. When my instructor told me I had the best balance he’d ever seen, I thought I was golden.
Then I failed the test.
Why? Because I wasn’t going fast enough. Yep. I was too cautious. And let me tell you, failing felt like a gut punch. I had worked so hard, and now I had to go back to square one? Ugh.
I almost quit right there. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t ready to give up. So, I reassessed. What was really holding me back? Turns out, it wasn’t just speed, I was scared of the bike tipping over and crushing my legs. That fear wasn’t going away.
So, I made a bold move: I bought a trike. A motorcycle with two wheels in the back; stable, but still a ride. It felt like the best of both worlds, and honestly, it was a game-changer.
The Power of Pivoting (and Finally Passing the Test)
I took a special class for three-wheelers, learned how to lean, take turns, and handle the bike with confidence. And then came the real test—literally.
Walking into the DMV gave me instant anxiety (because let’s be honest, everything about the DMV is stressful). But this time, I felt different. I was ready. I knew I had put in the work.
And I passed.
That moment wasn’t just about getting my motorcycle license. It was about proving to myself that fear doesn’t get the final say. That persistence, adaptability, and a little courage can take you further than you think.
The Ripple Effect of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Learning to ride a motorcycle wasn’t just about riding, it changed how I see challenges. Every time I push myself into something new, I build a little more confidence, a little more resilience.
Like when I went back to grad school, 29 years after getting my bachelor’s. Or when I joined a dance team (which, for the record, was way outside my wheelhouse). The closest I’d ever been to dancing before was the pom-pom squad in high school and college. But hey, why not try?
Or when I started standing up for and joining movements and organizations for causes I believe in. That’s been a whole new kind of adventure; one that’s not just about me, but about making a difference.
And honestly? Every time I step into the unknown, I feel a little more alive. A little more connected to the world. A little more me.
So, if there’s something you’ve been scared to try, whether it’s riding a motorcycle, switching careers, or learning to dance—do it. You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to take the first step.