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Fear of an Object!

by Gracie
(Los Angeles, CA)

I am 40 and just got my motorcycle license a few days ago. Took the full CHP accredited course. Have been out a little practicing. But the other night I was coming home from work in my Jeep and drove over a piece of tire on the fwy. Thought to myself "What if I were on my bike?!" I have two sons 19 and 22 who have been riding dirt since six and street since 16 and we would would like to ride together. They have been great and supportive to me. They said not to worry about those things now or I will get cold feet. But it's too late, I keep thinking about what could happen. Will I get over this as time goes on and I continue to ride or is this going to stick with me an ruin my hopes for riding?

Is this normal as you learn? Can you eventually over come it?

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Fear of an Object!

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Dec 22, 2009
 I Know What You Mean
by: Judith

I sure can relate to your comments. I am 58 and while I am currently riding a trike, I think allot about situations you describe. Not sure if that is why I secretly put off buying my bike or I really do need to pay my bills first. No one in my family is discouraging me but I do hear little comments about getting killed etc. I did ride over stuff when I took my course. I noticed a motorcycle school on my way to Costco. When I am ready and have my bike, I will go there and get more proficient in riding. Life is funny, things come up when you least expect them and but damn!! riding a bike is so exciting and I want that feeling and when I took that class, there was no other feeling that compared except when I was a kid and learned to surf. Not sure this helps you but it makes me feel good about knowing there are others who are feeling this way and we can overcome it.
Dec 22, 2009
 Relax
by: Bridgett

Howdy! Congrats on the class. You know what, I have been only riding about a year now, and I still get freaked out at times about all the "what ifs" and there are allot of them. But when I am riding, I really have to force myself to relax and put those paranoid thoughts out of my mind. I am cautious and aware, but I try not to have allot of anxiety. What if a rabbit runs out on the road, or a deer, or a car spills something, leaves, pine needles, water, cracks......At that point it is not worth riding. You need to know the risks and with experience you will learn to handle different situations with confidence. The class should have had you ride over wood, and you can practice in safe, controlled environments to learn how it feels to run over things or have to swerve, brake hard, etc.. practice what you learned in the class in a lot until you feel confident on your bike. You will then learn how to handle more and more difficult riding situations. It is so addicting to ride, I just can't stop! My father is dying of pancreatic cancer, My young daughter has some health issues that are not horrible but require surgery, I have allot going on in my life, things that make me say "SCREW IT! LET'S RIDE!!!"

Hope you can get over your fears and learn to love it. Only practice will make you feel more confident.

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