Dear WRN,
I am 50 and just took the motorcycle safety class. Reading all of the comments to this article, 10 Things to Expect When Starting to Ride a Motorcycle, is giving me some encouragement but I cant seem to get over the fear of riding alone for several reasons, safety being the number one concern. How did you all get past that?
Lisa
Darby, Pennsylvania
Please help us answer this question below in the comments section. Thanks!
Related Articles
Reader Story: Alone But Never Lonely
Fearless! American Motorcycle Expedition by a Polish Woman
10 Things to Expect When Starting to Ride a Motorcycle
One more thing to add here: Perhaps the biggest advocate for solo travel is Lois Pryce, known in the motorcycle industry by the name “Lois on the Loose,” the title of her first book. Lois recently did a Ted talk entitled “In Praise of Vulnerable Travel.” Its a 20-minute video worth watching when you have the time. If you dont, Id like to point out this quote Lois makes at 6:44 in the video that Ive typed in below. – Genevieve Schmitt, Editor, WomenRidersNow.com
“What you find is that when you do get out there and you do meet these other people, and they do see you out there in their country, their instinct isn’t to really see you alone, their instinct isn’t to say, Ooh, I’m going to rip her off and rob her. The natural human instinct, and I’m sure you’ll agree, you’ll all fee the same, is that you see somebody and you say, Oh, I hope they’re OK. Do they need any help?” – Lois Pryce, solo motorcycle adventure traveler
As others have said, a great starting point is to get comfortable and confident riding your bike. Each mile adds more confidence and ability. When you ride in rain the first time you might be nervous, but the more you do it the more you relax. Your question made me think as I always prefer to be a lone rider. I’ve done Maryland to Vegas (places in between) and back solo. When I started I too had some concerns. One was bike breaking down so I mitigated that with buying a brand that was impressively reliable and had abs. That comment could create a debate on reliability and brands but the point is my mind was comforted. I have a phone and credit cards. I carry rain gear so I enjoy the rain/hail/thunder/lightening. I wear riding boots, good riding gear and helmet that is reflective (but not uncool safety vest). So I am dressed safely and comfortable and should be visible. I know my range before my gas runs out; never was really an issue. I don’t drink and drive or hang out at bars when solo. I never took on any traffic that I wasn’t ready for. i.e. my first rides were not riding the DC beltway during rush hour in the dark. Once you take care of these things then you are left to just ride and enjoy the freedom. I encourage you to go solo as much as possible.
I have been riding since April of this year and I’m 55. I rode my bike on the roads and freeways I drove regularly, first. If you have areas of weakness, say turning or curves, seek out a road you know that has curves and practice looking through the turns over and over. The fact that you already know the road will give you confidence.Experience is the greatest teacher. Enjoy the ride!
I’m 49 soon to be 50. I completed the course in July and got my Sportster end of August. I went out by myself for the first time today. Actually, I just got home. I took a short ride on roads that I was familiar with and called to check in with my husband when I stopped. It was exhilarating! I was a little nervous when I first took off but just told myself to ride like I always do and be very aware. It was so exhilarating! I feel very accomplished and quite proud of myself. I may not do a lot of riding alone but I think it was good for me to know that I can. My advise would be to go for it! Just take a short ride close to home on familiar roads. You can do it!
Congratulations Kimberly. We appreciate your instant feedback. Continued success to you!
I rode dirt as a child growing up with my two brothers, got my own license to street ride when I was 49. Been riding since. I also preferred to ride alone when I first started; ride the roads in my comfort zone and not pushed beyond until I was ready. Now I ride everyday that it doesn’t rain to work and back home. Of course I take the long way home after work. My advice, always take the roads you are most comfortable with until your confidence is built up, then explore the roads that you have fear of less and just knock out that fear. Main thing is, keep riding and don’t give up on that freedom you feel while you ride.
I have been riding for a year and a half now. My first bike was a Honda CBR500, a good size bike for a little. I was a 54-year-old woman that was full of fear but with the help of a very good friend and joining a group that was supportive, I have gained more confidence. Riding alone for me is very fearful mainly due to lack of knowledge if something goes wrong with my bike. The other fear is still riding in traffic where your senses are all on alert. Out on the highway I’m relaxed and the fears lessen but I’m riding with a group which is where I feel comfortable and I know that I need to get out more on my own and experience the vulnerable feelings like was talked about in the video. I now have a Kawasaki Vulcan S and I’m even more comfortable and like riding even more. Confidence comes with experience – get out there and ride as much as you can.
I have been riding streets for two years. I just started riding on the highway this year. I am afraid to ride alone. One of these days I hope to overcome that fear and ride alone.
What a wonderful outpouring of encouragement! I’m a third year riding addict and I hit my first deer a month ago while riding with friends. I was pretty banged up but rode my mangled bike home. I was very afraid of riding again, but bought a new bike a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been down in the doldrums lately because I’m afraid to go on my “little adventures” like I did before the accident. I lost my confidence. Reading all the encouragement here has brought it back. I’m going to ride to work tomorrow. Alone. Finally! Thank you all so much! I can do this!
When I started riding, I actually preferred riding alone. It meant that I could plan out my rides entirely based on my comfort level. There was no one to push me beyond my level of comfort. And each successful ride alone built my confidence level. A few short years later, I’ve now probably got something like 70,000 miles under my butt and I really think those early rides alone got me here!Good luck and take it mile by mile!
I’ve been riding for about a year and a half now, with 3,350 miles on my little sportbike (Yamaha FZ6R). I, too, was very nervous about riding alone initially and it took me a few months to work up the nerve to go by myself. Even though my skills are solid now, I still have a day here and there where the nerves come out and I am tense on my bike. When I ride by myself, I usually have an easy destination or loop in mind. When I ride on roads that I’m fairly comfortable with, the nerves go away. The first time I commuted by myself I almost peed my pants! If you use your bike to commute, give yourself plenty of time to get to work and pick a route that you know well.
Thanks for your comments. The bike you have, the Yamaha FZ6R, is an awesome motorcycle for women who want an easy and fun sporty ride. You can read our
You have to do it by yourself in order to see that nothing bad is going to happen. I ride and camp everywhere myself from Mexico to Colorado to Indian Reservations to Sturgis. Ninety percent of the things you think might happen to you won’t and you just got to find that out for yourself.
Bonnie,Thanks for bringing Lois’ video to my attention. I had not seen it yet. I will give it a bigger platform on WRN.
Hi Lisa, I’m 59 years old, a widow, and a member of the Iron Butt Association (long distance riders). I always ride solo and that includes camping too. The comment from Grace is right, confidence is a great tool to keep in your go-bag. Don’t go places that breed trouble, like unknown areas of large cities at night. Last year I rode more than 19,000 miles alone and found other motorcyclists in particular to be the best help/ friendliest people out there. Practice your riding skills and embrace your ability to do something that others only wish they could. Ride hard, ride safe.
Greetings Lisa:For me the following things give me confidence.1. Buy a SPOT – I use my SPOT whenever I travel solo more than 100 miles from home. It tracks and broadcast my progress so my loved ones know where I am. I pay for the helicopter insurance. It has a button I can hit if I go down to summon emergency assistance and a button I can hit if I just need roadside assistance. It is satellite and not cell, so better coverage.2. Buy and install a Garmin so you can’t get lost and you know where the nearest gas is if you run low.3. Take it slow to start. Tootle around town. When you get more confident and bored you will start wandering a little farther.
I have only been riding for a year. I have logged 1300 miles. I set small goals for myself — going to the store, crossing the main road for my street, going up the mountain, etc. I found a coworker who rides and she helped me accomplish the last two and then some. I ventured out and joined a group of riders that has since helped me log those miles. While I have learned a lot from group riding, I have found that I enjoy riding on my own the most. Group riding helped me ride better and I learned by asking the veteran riders questions. While at times I received unsolicited advice or comments, I just let it go but held on to what made sense. For example, being a newbie, I had to learn and still struggle with throttle control. My first time with a group led by a female, I was “reprimanded” for revving too much as I was backing my bike up. took it in stride but now I pay attention to that control. The more I ride, the more I learn. Don’t let fear ground you. One day you will wake up and just have to ride. That’s the best feeling ever! My was this past weekend. Now I plan every night before I go to sleep how I can ride my ride the next day. And always remember to “ride YOUR own ride.” Don’t let other riders or cars rush you to go faster. Riding is an exhilarating experience. Enjoy it!
I remember what it’s like to feel like that, walking across the garage floor with a feeling like I was going to be sick. Oh yeah. So I put my bike out on the road, walked back to shut the garage door and my bike’s kickstand melted through the pavement. It landed perfectly on its kickstand. That was it. I’d had enough of being afraid. I walked over to it thinking, “You jerk.” I picked it up thinking, “You’re not so big.”Up until that point I was sure if I went down my bike would shatter like glass and I’d be stuck there forever not being able to lift it up. It changed everything. Gave me freedom, independence. I never shook again. Just do the best you can. If you want to ride, ride. If you want to go home, go home. Something will happen and it will change.
I agree with Claire T. Set reasonable goals based on your own comfort level. New Hope, Pennsylvania, I believe is close. Use Google Maps to map it out. Choose a time that’s not heavily traveled by cars and trucks. Or if New Hope is your destination a weekend. Treat yourself to a burger at Frans (biker friendly). Enjoy and be safe. You can do it.
Like you and many of the other contributors here I was over 50 and new to world of motorcycle riding. It had never been on my list of things to do. t was not even my idea, rather my hubby’s “mid life crisis” that brought me to riding. That said, I have been riding just a couple of years now and I really do love it. I was a horseback rider when I was younger and the balance and control I learned there made me more aware of interfacing with my bike. I had similar concerns about riding alone, but it really is a good time for you to concentrate on your riding and getting acquainted with your bike and to practice your skills without the pressure of someone else’s agenda. In fact, schedule some time to do it. You might find yourself looking forward to the time when you get to do what you want to do. If there is some skill that you find daunting, find a place you can practice it until you feel more comfortable (for me it’s slow, short radius turns and starting on hills). Someone else mentioned always taking your cell phone – I totally agree. It is a safety issue. And as far as self protection, don’t go anywhere that makes you uncomfortable. That is just a good idea in general. Your instincts are there for a reason. Listen to them. And always, always be aware of your surroundings and project an air of confidence.
Most of those maneuvers are covered in our Safe Riding Tips section here on WRN.
I’m a new rider at 50. It’s a feel the fear moment, and do it anyway for sure. My first solo ride had me stopped on a steep hill, which was challenging to ride through. Therefore, my recommendation is to plan the ride. Know exactly where you’re going, on familiar roads, so you know what to expect. Enjoy! Be safe. Safety gear with phone charged, deep breath.
Hey LisaYou are definitely not alone. I too was lucky to meet a great lady (with a motley crew of willing helpers) who came and took me out for my first two rides. After that I started to force myself to ride a bit on my own. So for the third ride I rode to the meet-up point on my own and the next time a bit further until at last I did a 330km solo ride just to prove that I could do it. The confidence will come gradually and I actually like riding on my own now. You don’t have to worry about anyone else when you ride alone; you can go at your own pace and I find it’s when I feel comfortable testing out my personal limits. It’s just nice to have people at the pit stop breaks to chat with, which is why it is nice to ride in a group. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from some friendly biker-types in your area – you will be amazed how friendly most of them are.Good luck and enjoy the ride! 🙂
I just bought my first bike at 48, and feeling the same way. Thanks for your suggestions and encouragement. Love this site and the great advice!
Lisa, Your feelings are very common for new riders. First, I would like to congratulate you on passing the Motorcycle Safety Course! Many people talk about doing it but not everyone goes through with it. A couple of suggestions: First and foremost…safety first Make sure you gear up! Second, find a parking lot and practice! Practice your turns, u-turns, quick stops, etc. Practice makes perfect! You may also want to consider retaking the motorcycle course again to ensure your level of confidence and safety. I know plenty of riders who have done so and left the course feeling more confident! You may also search for a private instructor in your area. Lastly, YouTube offers videos which I recommend to all new riders. There are plenty of biker websites to meet other riders such as this one, WomenRidersNow.com. Social media is good for finding motorcycle events that you can attend to meet bikers who may want to ride with a new rider. If you lived close by I would of loved to ride with you! Good luck to you! You can do this! Riding is an exciting and adventurous sport! It takes lots of practice to become a skillful rider. Sit on your bike, get to know your bike! Practice! Practice! Practice on your bike! Biker chicks rock!
Lisa, I was terrified of solo riding at the beginning, too (that was back in 2003). I found local forums and connected with folks who were newbie-friendly and those mentors were really a godsend. Believe me, all riders know what it is like and I think there are very few out there who get on a bike and feel no anxiety. Actually, as many a seasoned rider will tell you that the day you don’t feel any anxiety at all before throwing a leg over your bike, is the day to park it forever! Keeping in mind the risk, keeps your focus where it should be. Like some of those who replied, I too, am an independent person, but it was the big city traffic that scared me from going out alone much further than my immediate neighborhood, but who wants to stay with that? I found the large (and smaller) groups who welcomed newbies really fun. They were encouraging and inspirational and I could see by how they rode, what my bike could do, too. It was a confidence builder for me. All the best, you can do it! Cheers! (I am known as BTWoman on the forum.)
Thanks for the encouraging words Pamela and promoting the WRN Forum, which can be accessed here and is available to anyone interested in connecting with other women riders.
I also am 50 and I’m in the same boat as you! Here’s the best advice I can give, be smart, don’t take risks, take your time, don’t be in a hurry, and you’ll be fine! It takes time like riding a bicycle but you go faster. It takes time but the more you do it, the more fun you have.
Baby steps. Go around the block a few times, then head out to a haevier traffic area. Need to go to the store for something? Take the bike. Just keep riding and heading out a little farther as you feel comfortable. I was 52 when I learned to ride, and four years later love to ride on my own. It is one of the most freeing experiences around.
I had a total of about three hours on a bicycle since 1980, and had never been on a motorcycle when, just before my 52nd birthday in late 2013, I took a riding lesson and got hooked. Except for one ride earlier this year, all of my riding has been alone. For me, fear of looking the fool and fretting over how I measure up to someone else’s riding exceeded fear of something happening to me when alone. When alone, I was in control of the pace, and relieved of performance anxiety among fellow riders; I could just ride my own ride, stop and critique when I felt it necessary; hesitate when I wanted to think about my next move. Perhaps this is a positive thought you could channel?My recommendation is stay very local at first, and out of traffic. I started in the parking lot of the church around the corner from my house. Set up some MSF-course weaves and made sure I was confident with the basics. Then I made a point of riding around the neighborhood, eventually making larger sweeps of the area. It being winter when I acquired the bike, I had a fair amount of night riding early on. I found the quiet helped me tune into my riding, and I started finding unfamiliar neighborhood roads, often seeking out cul-de-sacs so I could practice U-turns. Gradually, I wandered farther, and realized I had a whole passel of winding mountain roads to explore, many not well-travelled esp on early Sunday mornings when I’d venture out on my bike. I ended up doing a fair amount of technical roads on my own – but felt confident. I built up the miles 20-30 min at a time, going out frequently. I always wore full gear and kept my cell phone in my jacket pocket, even if I was no more than 2 miles from home.I highly recommend taking some baby steps to break your fear of riding alone – because there will be a day you have to, or want to, but can’t find a riding buddy. Just start slowly – find a nearby parking lot or circle your neighborhood if it isn’t crowded. You’ll soon find your confidence and start venturing farther. Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of motorcycling!
Lisa, I was a passenger for years. Had a bad wreck. Always wanted my own ride. It was hard for husband to hold bike still after the wreck, hard for him with me on it too. That gave me the nerve to take a safety class. Best thing to do! Three days. Rode close by the house, venture out more and more alone. Nothing like riding your own! Just keep aware of your surroundings, keep an escape route in mind, watch the tires at intersections! Be safe. You can do this!
I started out riding my neighborhood then started expanding out taking small road trips in my area until I got comfortable. It has been a year since I started riding and love it! Ride at your own pace and enjoy it!
I agree that starting small is key. I live five miles from work and take my bike to/from work as often as I can. I too am a new rider, licensed less than a year. I found that while I am not set for a very long solo trip as of yet, I feel I often do better when riding alone because anyone that sees any mistakes I make (like taking a turn too wide) are complete strangers and with my helmet on they really have no idea who I am versus knowing that when I am riding with my husband (and he does not, but that doesn’t make it any less in my mind) I feel like I am always being critiqued for each little thing. So, that might help with the decision to make the first small solo trip.
You already had the courage to ride the bike. Riding alone is something that you are afraid of and you have never experienced. Don’t make your bike a boogeyman. Make it your way to escape and experience new things. Put a new spin on your perspective and see this as a great opportunity instead of a fear. Right now, you have a fear of the unknown. Once you do it, is not unknown anymore. Good luck my riding sister! I think you will actually enjoy riding alone after you step past this fear.
Are you afraid of dropping the bike and having no one to help you lift it back up? I suggest you learn to lift it. It can be done! If it goes over you will need no one but you!
Thanks for mentioning that. Here’s our article on how to lift up a downed motorcycle by yourself.
I was just over 50 when I got my motorcycle license too, and since then I have gone on about nine solo trips, each several thousand kilometers in distance. I do what I can to keep myself safe, which begins with making sure my bike is in excellent condition. I have my bike maintained and serviced by a reputable, experienced professional. Because things can still go wrong, I have a CAA membership, and carry a cell phone. As far as the bike, that’s all I can do.For myself, I stay in hotels, so I book them ahead and give my itinerary to my family and friends, this way I know that I have a safe place to stay when I arrive at the end of the day where I can chill out in peace, and lock the door behind me. At the end of each day, I send a Facebook post to my family and friends so they know I have arrived safely. I love early morning riding so I start my day early and never ride in the evening, and absolutely never after dark on strange roads or in strange cities.I try to take my rest stops at busy service stations and truck stops, if possible.I tell all the people who think I shouldn’t travel alone that more people die in accidents in the home every year than in motorcycle crashes, so realistically, I should spend my time on the road worrying about them, not the other way around.Be smart about talking to strangers, and don’t give them too much information. A little common sense goes a long way.Be safe and keep the shiny side up!
Riding motorcycles takes practice. So the only way to get over your fear is to ride. I always tell my husband or another trusted person when I leave, where I’m going, and when I will be back. I am a member of AMA so I have tow privileges if I have a problem. I wear “All The Gear All The Time.” I take a cell phone, so I have a plan and all the “back up” I need. Take short trips at first. Run to the store. Go to a friend’s house. Ride familiar streets.My confidence ebbs and flows, too, so don’t feel like you’re the only one. But you can do this. And don’t forget – you’re not really riding alone. There are many of us out there.
Start with distances around your neighborhood/area. Go a little further each time as you get more comfortable. Sundays in the morning are nice, because the roads are empty. Really, it just takes time.
Riding alone is very intimidating for women. For me, it was mostly about getting my big bike into a situation I couldn’t maneuver out of or dropping it. Getting lost wasn’t a big issue because that’s part of the fun of riding! I did buy good local maps and eventually a Garmin GPS for a long trip security blanket. Just doing small day rides onto roads I’d never been on helped a lot and getting hooked into a group of like minded riders who knew all the good back roads in my area were key. You have to be willing to ride with the “boys” if you can’t find a group of women (very hard where I live). The guys have been great! Nothing but helpful and safety minded. Take a few, or one, step out of your comfort zone and explore just enough to get to the next step! Have fun and ride safe!
I do most of my riding alone. Though it’s fun to ride with others, there are advantages to riding alone too. There is no pressure to keep up and a lot more time to enjoy the road and the landscape when I don’t have to keep my eyes peeled on indicators etc. Also, it’s increased my confidence that I can navigate. Despite my worries, I haven’t gotten myself horrendously lost. It gives a lot of confidence in your own ability to read the road. I take a mobile (cell phone) just in case, with my breakdown number preprogrammed. I plan my route carefully, or sometimes I see where the road takes me.
Lisa, I took little steps at my own pace. I started by riding around the neighborhood by myself. Then spent half a day getting groceries from the local grocery store on my bike. Took about 15 trips but I got lots of practice at the lights, on the hill and in a crowded parking lot all while being minutes from home with my husband on standby. He was hysterically laughing by my last trip of a dozen eggs and a box of Cheerios. I was so focused on what I was doing that I forgot to be scared. We spent many weekends like this, each time expanding my range a bit further. Next came commuting every day with him talking to me on the phone via my helmet headset. Before I knew it, I was taking long rides by myself at my own pace. I have a SPOT GPS and let people know my intended general route. I have never felt alone. Complete strangers ask where I am going, give me tips on the surrounding area I’m in and have even made me “check in” when coming back off a mountain. Bikers are everywhere and reach out whether on the bike or off. I love riding alone now. I make sure I go out prepared but not scared. I ride sanely and try to use good judgment to keep myself safe. Good luck and have fun.
I would ride around my neighbourhood alone which then gave me the confidence to venture out further from home alone. Keep your chin up. It gets easier the more you ride and have fun
I got myself a new bike so I wouldn’t have to worry when I rode alone. Have done 37,000 kms in a year riding interstate and afar, most of it alone. It’s the best feeling. Freedom. Music, machine and you!
I felt that way, too. There are so many things to think about and focus on when you start riding “out there.” I spent time putting slowly around parking lots and neighborhoods first. My first few ventures on the real road were very early in the morning, to avoid traffic. Can you find anyone to escort you out your first time or two? Having a person ride behind you helps ease worrying about everything behind you while you get used to everything in front.
I started riding a few years ago, when I was 43. A lot of my initial riding was alone. Start slow, stay on roads you know and let someone know you are going out. Give yourself time, listen to your gut, and stay home if you are really spooked. Only go out when you are ready to ride your own ride, as slow as it takes. But when you can, push past the fear and just keep trying. You will build confidence as you go. For me, it took a lot of months where I’d text or call a friend to say “I’m going out” and “I’m back” before and after each ride. A lot of days of ignoring the pit in my stomach as I headed out. The thrill of the ride and the slow increases of distance and seat time helped build my confidence. I ride daily and love my time on the bike—it’s the highlight of my days.
Hi Lisa, I got my license at 39! I’d always ridden on the back. I was nervous when I started riding on my own. My husband always went with me in the beginning. The more you ride the more comfortable you become. You just have to make yourself aware of everything. If you need to ride at a slower pace that’s fine. Ride how your comfortable. But ride! It gets easier I promise!
I too was afraid to ride alone so I first started taking real short rides. Approximately 10 minutes. Basically to and from work. Then I started taking longer ways home after work. I have the confidence now to ride just about anywhere. I’ve been riding less than a year.
I ride alone often. If I’m taking a long ride, I let one of my friends know where I’ll be going and what route, and I pack a map and my fully-charged phone and camera in my saddlebag.
I bought my bike last year. My gift to myself for my 55th. I had never ridden before. After getting my license I ventured to the nearest school parking lot and practiced and practiced. Then ventured out and around a loop near by. Then I expanded my loop to about an hour ride. Close enough to home that I have never felt uncomfortable being by myself. I still take that ride when I just want to get our for a short while. My first solo long ride was after I had about 200 miles on my bike. It was stressful. I went on highways. I took it slow. I had to get off and ask a guy taking a smoke break for another route. It took me out of the way but was a beautiful, off the beaten path, two lane. I was meeting a friend, which gave me reason to persevere and get to my destination. That is when it all came together for me. You just do it. I rode alone because I really didn’t have anyone to ride with. And I wanted to ride. I discovered I loved the solitude. I love knowing I can. I have had my bike for 14 months. I just crossed 4000 miles today. I have ridden short distances on gravel. Over grated bridges. Both scared the $&@$ out if me. But I took a deep breath, took it slow and ended up on the other side thinking, “That wasn’t so hard, feeling confident.” Riding is the best thing I have done for myself in years. (I ride a sweet Triumph Bonneville and love her.)
It is more challenging to ride solo. Start off leaving the city limits. Then the county line. Take a pic at each one. Once you cross your first state line you will be hooked! Pay attention where you stop, and make sure you and your bike are ready to roll. When I turned 55 I took a solo trip from Texas to California and it was the best trip I ever made. Rome wasn’t built in a day, be patient. Keep a laminated sheet with your medical history and contact numbers in your left saddlebag. Emergency personnel know to check that bag. Don’t go to a bar alone. Don’t ever drink and ride, but especially not when you are solo. You will get there!
Oh how I remember those days. I used to go out early on the weekend mornings when all was quiet, and during the day when most people are at work and the neighborhood is calm. I chose a small route in my neighborhood. I rode around those few blocks many times. And many times, I found it to be so exhilarating that I went around again. And I found a few parking lots to practice those fundamentals over and over, round and round in circles. Stop and start. Learning about myself and how I rode. When I found myself gripping too tightly, it was time to go home. It was like jumping off a diving board the first time, or that first wild roller coaster. Once I did it, I was ok. Focus on the skills you learned every time you go riding. Smile Ride to close places, the ones you know the roads to. Take your phone with you. You will learn something every time you ride and the basics will come right in. Enjoy. I started riding when I was 55. Now I ride a 2014 Street Glide on long trips with my husband and in groups with friends. I am 60 now, and have no plans to park my beautiful bike anytime soon.
I am in the very same position. I do just fine when someone is with me, but do not want to take it out of the garage unless there is some going with me. I think about going riding and I like to go early on Saturday and Sunday mornings when no one is on the roads. Must overcome this feeling.
Fear is temporary, regret is forever. I wish I could tell myself that eight years ago. Push pass the fear, stretch your limits, grow your confidence. Baby steps if you must, but keep moving forward. You’ll either get there or you won’t, but, either way, you’ll be where you should be.
I’ve ridden for many years and 95 percent of the time I ride alone! My thought is you need to know your bike. I wrench on mine and also know al ot about it. Plus pack a few tools, and br alert to surroundings on and off the road.Ride and enjoy. Just to add some of my solo rides are 175m a time.
Taking a safety class is a great start! I started riding at age 50 also. I started by going around the side streets around my home and as my confidence grew I expanded my “circle.” At first I would avoid riding during rush hour or when the conditions were less than perfect. I always do a pre-ride check of my bike, carry my cell phone and let a friend know I am going riding. I also tried to ride every day at first, even if just for 15 to 20 minutes. Just take your time, your confidence will grow. Enjoy!
You have to start small, baby steps. Start by riding around your block by yourself. Two blocks. Stay in a comfort neighborhood zone. Personally, I prefer riding in open spaces, but when you ride in a neighorhood environment, it trains you to be alert to side streets, driveways, etc. My problem wasn’t the fear of riding alone, it was my husband’s fear of me riding alone. Take your time. It’s not a race. You ride for you.
I was 52 and I started by giving myself places to go that were close to home. Once I got used to going there I started to expand my outings and now I will go wherever I want to with my bike.
At 49 I, too, am new to riding. I took the safety riding class just in case something happened to my husband when I was riding with him as a passenger. Never imagined I would fall in love with riding my own bike. After a year of riding on two wheels I still was not comfortable on two wheels and would not ride without my husband. Needless to say that frustrated me! Then I found my trike! I love to ride on my own or with my husband. I will also put one of my kids on the trike, which I would have never done on two wheels. Still have many of the same issues of two wheels but I will never lay it down! Ride your ride! Be safe!