Signed Up to Take Training Class, but a Bit Timid

Signed Up to Take Training Class, but a Bit Timid

by Doverpoet
(Dover, PA)

My boyfriend suggested that we both take the motorcycle training course, so we have signed up for it. Although he has had riding experience before in his life (though not lately), I have NEVER been on a bike, but agreed that I would take the class with him, because I might get into it, which is cool by me.

Anyway, I am 45, kinda overweight and I'm worried that the class will be full of 21 year old dudes ready to rip up the road on two wheels, who have had lots of informal experience. Is that how it's like in a training class, or are they pretty nice to you?

I just know I am going to be self-conscious and I'm worried people will think I'm a total dork. :~)

Comments for
Signed Up to Take Training Class, but a Bit Timid

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 21, 2010

Oldest in Class
by: Mary from MN

BTW, I asked the instructor how old was the oldest taking the class; 72 - a gift from his kids.

Oct 18, 2010

MSF Class
by: Mary from Minnesota

I took the class when I was 59 last year and passed just fine. A couple of "hot dogs" in the class who had been riding dirt for a long time and wanted the "easy way" to get their endorsements. Many were older (over 40) and majority were female. We had a class of 12. This year, I started out in the spring, but then found out I had cataracts and didn't dare ride that way. Had other issues over the summer, but am hurrying up to make up for lost time before winter hits. An awesome book is "Guide to Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough. My husband, an experienced rider read it and learned, too. Class was a blast.

Oct 11, 2010

You Go Girl
by: Christine

I'm 49 yrs old, never been on a bike before, and just took the course last month. I loved reading the other posts, because I really didn't realize what a similar experience it was for all. Honestly, I'll say it was one of the most challenging things I've ever attempted but at the same time I don't think anything in my life could compare to how proud I was when I passed the course. Like the others I really had to talk myself into going back the second day, I couldn't sleep the at all , I got up at 2am and started watching you tube videos "how to shift gears". Once I relaxed I really started enjoying the class, trust me girlfriend if I can do it anyone can. Everyone in the class was in the same boat and so supportive, we really watched out for one another. I just went with the mindset I'll just keep coming back until I pass, once you let go you'll just take off-trust me

Oct 06, 2010

Go 4 It!
by: Crissy

I took my class in my late 20's. It was thru a local college. A lot cheaper than Harley offered. They even supplied the bikes, which were small. But anything is big when U start! I had about ten in our group, only one quit. Probably 'cuz it rained the whole weekend. Had a couple people take diggers. It was a bit scary 4 me, since I had never rode and I too, at the time was a hefty gal. I thought.."I do not want to die of embarrassment when I bounce off the pavement", but i didn't. I made some new friends and learned some stuff that I actually still remember. Plus, where I live, if U have a safety class certificate, U can get a 10% discount on your insurance. Also, it was a lot easier learning with all the other newbies than going by myself, not having a clue to the Sec. of State to take a road test. YIKES!!! You won't regret it in the end, even if it takes until the end to realize it.

Sep 15, 2010

Just Do It!!!
by: Anonymous

I took our local MSF class going in thinking I was helping my husband by having someone to take the class with. He had owned his own bike and had his license over 20 yrs ago but wanted a refresher course plus the added bonus of getting a discount on insurance. It was on my "bucket list" to learn how to ride a motorcycle. We had 10 people in class, 6 guys and 4 ladies. I had never even cranked a motorcycle, my only experience had been limited to a 4-wheeler. Needless to say, 2 of the ladies left in tears and one was even asked to leave before the first day was over. It was me, who was 46 at that time and a 20-something yr old left with the "guys". I would love to say that I passed with flying colors but I can't. The skills test was very nerve-racking to say the least. They didn't tell me that I hadn't passed that part until we were in the classroom to take the written test. It was very embarrassing and it is still a sore spot with me. But I rose above it and took the written test to see how well I could do. I made 97!!!! My great husband was determined to help me not let this get in my way and purchased a Honda Rebel for me to practice my skills on. 3 months later I went to my local DMV and took the written & skills test and I am proud to say that I having been driving my own(my 2nd bike!)for nearly a year now. My husband said he would have never been able to teach me the way they did. Also, ask your husband not to interfere with you while you are taking the course. You should only be listening to your instructor(s). Good luck on your decision...I feel more confident every time I ride.

Sep 14, 2010

Don't Give Up
by: Lynn - Florida

I was 51 when I took the class. I was the only woman with 4 other men my age or older. The class part was easy, but the riding section was stressful. It was definitely worth it! We ended up taking a group picture all having passed and I mailed one to each guy.

Sep 13, 2010

It's worth it.
by: Helen Wheels

When I took my course there were very few young men. Mostly older folks (40 plus) and gals. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I was ready to give up, but I wouldn't trade the experiences and friendships I made that weekend for all the money in the world. I too wanted to quit at the end of the first day, but I didn't and I am so glad! First day sucked, second day was amazing! You can do it, and you will!!

Sep 13, 2010

Hold your chin up!
by: Sassy2731

Go on and take the class. No one will judge or make fun of you there. They are all in the same boat with you. Most in my class were new to riding so they are having the same fears as you. You will learn so much in the class. I rode with my hubby for over 30 years and finally got the courage up to take the class and learn to ride. I've been riding for over 4 years now and love riding. The instructors will work with you and help and encourage you and so will the others that are taking the class. They are there to learn to ride also. Don't let the fear of the class hold you back. Go for it!

Sep 13, 2010

Be patient but determined.
by: Rene L

I agree with most of the comments made already except the one that suggests that you give up if it seems difficult or you get scared. I have been riding for about two years now-on my second bike! However it took me 3 attempts in the MSF class before I passed the test. Actually on my first attempt I was the one who left the class in tears. Luckily I was determined and since subsequent attempts were free after licking my wounded ego I got back on and considered each subsequent attempt as extended training. By the way I was over 50 and had only been on the back of the bike. Good luck. Have fun in your class. Update us afterward.

Sep 12, 2010

It's all good!
by: Sandra

In my limited experience, you will be accepted very well! My class had 3 women and 9 guys...I'm 48, another female was there w/her husband - 20 somethings - AND her MOM!! There were police officers and computer techs, young and some more my age...and my husband...

We became "fast friends" and really watched out for each other and encouraged each other through the course! My husband is nervous for me riding, so we kind of separated for training so we concentrated on our skills and not on each other...the other guys in the class filled in as big brothers do and made me feel right at home.

My girlfriend, in another group entirely, had a very similar experience. Go in with a willing to learn attitude and have fun - you will fit in just fine! The camaraderie among bikers is pretty solid - I think you really have to be a JERK for a biker to treat you bad, or there is the occasional JERK who happens to be a biker you run into - but in general, it's like joining into a huge non-judgmental family!

Good luck.

Sep 12, 2010

Training Class
by: ND Mass 58

My class was great. The instructors treated us all the same and there were many different ages and experience levels there. It didn't make a bit of difference. They corrected and critiqued us all. A couple people dropped the bikes but so what, we were there to learn and we learned, on their bikes, what more could you ask for. They start you off at step one and when everyone can do it they move on to step two and so on. The only way to conquer timidness and by doing what's making you timid. I asked myself after the first very long day what the heck I was doing but I went back the second day and I am so glad I did. I did it for me. I think it's the first thing I've done for me in a very long time. I'm over 50, the mother of three and my youngest just signed up for college. So now it's my turn. If you want to do it for you, then do it. Forget what anybody says or thinks. Do it while you can so you can look back on it favorably and not regrettably.

Sep 11, 2010

I AGREE WITH WANDA!
by: veronica

Have fun and enjoy yourself; life is short and all! I agree with Wanda, (previous poster) who eloquently said, Who cares what people think?! Most humans are so concerned with not looking like fools themselves, that they (WE) are often stymied by our own fears. Good for you for even considering giving something new a try!!! Enjoy and get your voluptuous self on that bike girl!

My class probably had three youngsters out of a class of 12. I was among 5 women and guess what? The only other woman who actually finished the class was in her 50's! At the time I was approaching 40! The guys were just as nervous as the girls and our instructor was awesome. Some fell, some did not- the point is whether we all made it or not is actually not the point; the point is that we ALL ventured out to try something new. ANYONE who has the guts to go out of their usual routine has all the glory in the world. Be strong! Be safe! Be you!

Veronica

Sep 11, 2010

Ages in Motorcycle Class
by: Anonymous

We only had 2 younger people in my class. Most of them were from 40 to 60. The reason being is some of the guys in the class have been riding for years with out and endorsement. The law is now that if you are stopped in WA, your motorcycle can be impounded.

The more experienced people were very supportive of the newbies. Number 1 is because most of the stuff in the class was new to them and they were nervous because they had to perform and after riding all those years they didn't want to look like they didn't know what they were doing. One of the guys hadn't ridden for years and didn't have an endorsement then. They were also supportive as they have been a beginner and remember what is was like.

I guess I was lucky to be in a good supportive class. My side car class was like that also. More older folks than very young.

You will be so busy learning. Give yourself a chance and enjoy the class with your boyfriend.

Best of luck!

Sep 11, 2010

A Good Mix
by: Anonymous

My class was a good mix, 8 men and 4 women. It was about half military personnel and half civilians. The ages ranged from early twenties to mid-forties. Motorcyclists come from all different backgrounds. Everybody was helping each other and cheering each other on in my class. Good luck. Be sure to post again and let us know how you liked the class!

Sep 11, 2010

Who Cares What Other People Think?
by: Wanda

You have just as much right to be there as young males ready to tear up the road. They're not going to be thinking anything about you. They will be focused on learning to ride, so they can get their license and legally ride a motorcycle. That should be your goal too. I can only speak from my own experience. My instructors were ex-Marines,and they were strict. They have to be for a good reason, to increase the likelihood that you will become proficient and able to ride SAFELY. They were friendly and tried to make things fun. My class was very fast-paced, because there was a lot of material to cover in just a few days. The instructors showed us the basic controls, started us out slow, and continued developing our skills from there. Motorcycling is not for everyone. There was one young lady who left my class crying the very first day of riding, and I did not blame her one bit. I urge you to hang in there if you can. Being able to ride a motorcycle safely opens the door to new adventure. However, if you get scared or don't like it and want to quit, that is perfectly okay, and it does not make you any less of a person. It is your life and your choice. Good luck to you and your boyfriend. If you end up not liking riding your own bike, that does not stop you from riding on the back of your boyfriend's motorcycle. The possibilities are endless. I think you will do great if you give yourself permission and just do exactly what the instructors tell you. If you can, get in some walking or some type of exercise each day before the class. Make sure you eat well and get plenty of sleep too, so you will be at the top of your game. See you on the road!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask (or answer) a Question