How I overcome Riding Anxiety! Tips to help train your brain!

How I overcome Riding Anxiety! These are my personal tips to help train your brain into trusting yourself and your motorcycle! #motorcycleanxiety #ridinganxiety #beginnerrider

Wanna send me something?
Jess
P.O. Box 114
Pataskala Ohio 43062

Save 15% and free shipping (US Only) on all Nelson Rigg products! Use code: hertwowheels

Save 25% off all Rokform products using code: HERTWOWHEELS

Vlogging Equipment:

Bike Setup:
My Gear:

Follow me on Instagram! @Her.Two.Wheels

Buy Some Shirts!:

Follow me on Facebook!

Wanna buy me a cold brew or a tank of gas?

DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting me so I can continue to provide you with unbiased moto content!

[richardray]

My girlfriend was in a bad accident a year ago. A driver was texting and ran right into her. She had just got back from a ride with her daughter and wanted to go around the block by herself so she didn't even think to wear her helmet that her daughter still had on. Well, they hit her doing 45 in a 30, 2 of the occupants in the vehicle fled, and the driver was entirely at fault, yet no citations were given. My girlfriends femur was broken in 2 places and protruding from her leg, broke her back in two places, shattered her foot which bones were also protruding, and had head damage. Doctors wanted to amputate her leg from her hip down. She has had multiple surgeries; one that almost killed her due to infection, and she even had to have a skin graft to replace the skin that was on her shin. 30 screws, 3 rods, and 2 plates running the length of her leg. And now, a year later, she is walking on both legs although she needs her cane sometimes due to the pain. She has built her courage up enough to get on my bike with me and go for rides and she has now said she is going to get another bike soon as her leg is good enough to hold it up. She is the definition of strength, courage, and an overall badass! Just thought I'd share.

[robertmontenegro]

I just got my first bike yesterday with very limited experience. I dumped it (low speed/taking a corner), and now for the past 2 days I've been looking at it with such fear -- like I'm looking at monster who is to become a friend I respect... tomorrow, I attempt it again and give him a name.

Thank you!

[phwar]

The amount of anxiety I felt when I started riding was CRAZY, I was like - why am I even doing this to myself?! But lots of practice, stalling out, slow turns, and longer distances (plus a bigger bike) has got me feeling so free and confident. I still have nervous moments but working through that extreme anxiety was definitely worth it!

[williamarinder]

Got my first bike (Honda Rebel) earlier this year at age 74. Started slow in my neighborhood, then to back roads, 35 mph max. Practicing in parking lots, and now have my motorcycle license. Still have some anxiety on sharp curves, but I take them slow, and so far have not dropped my bike. Never to late to learn, if you have the strength to hold the bike up. Just don't start with one too heavy for you.

[mckenziewoods]

Having grown up with zero motorcycles in my life, no riding experience, and also failing the MSF course my first go around at 26 years old, I had a really slow start with riding. The people I knew that rode made it harder because everything was so easy to them. They would give me advice and I just wasn't getting it. It made me feel like I wasn't learning quick enough. I got rid of my tiny first bike, and bought an 883 that was much more comfortable for me. That made a world of difference. I started setting a curriculum each day. I would tell my bike, "Today we're going to focus on getting into 3rd gear."... "Today we're going to try that gravel driveway really slowly."...Or, "Today we're going to try some techniques from YouTube on how to position your body in turns." Taking those baby steps in areas of minimal/no traffic, and slowly pushing myself out of my comfort zone taught me so much. Sometimes even now I'll have a "practice day" to brush up on my skills and see how far I've come. It just took time, practice, and more practice for me. I believe almost anyone can do it and love it.
Also, your videos have changed me as a rider. Watching your hands, your techniques, etc.. you've really positively affected my daily riding.

[GiveEmHellMCR]

I got my first motorcycle today and I was too scared to ride it. You have given me the confidence to have a go tomorrow (I hope), thank you!

[kennethanderson]

I prefer riding secondary roads than major highways. Most of the time anxiety is not an issue, but when it gets to me, riding on secondary roads is the cure.

[hughkeith]

As a rider you need to trust your intuition. When that still small voice says in a louder than normal tone, ‘Nope, not today’ it’s perfectly ok to agree with it and hop in the car instead. We all have those days and that wisdom and self-knowledge is exactly what differentiates us from all the other motorized vehicle pilots out on the road. The toughest thing I’ve ever done in my as yet young riding career was pull on my new helmet to test out my Sena after I’d been involved in an accident on my bike. The claustrophobia induced panic and anxiety were instantaneous and legit. The next time I pulled the helmet on I was standing in front of my bike. It was ‘go’ or ‘no go’ time. I was either going to get on the bike and continue riding that day or call it quits. 10 broken ribs, a collapsed lung with a chest tube, a restaurant quality hematoma on my thigh where my wallets was in my front right pocket (still a forget-me-not nearly 4+ years later) and a TBI will do that to a person. I decided to ride and am glad I did. I wear all the gear all the time. I’ll cool off when I get ‘there’. I don’t leave my house without my helmet on and buckled and jacket zipped. I know what my tire pressures are every time I ride because I check them every time before I get on my bike. I respect and talk to my bike. And I say a prayer generally every time before we leave the driveway. When I toggle the ignition switch and press it, it’s time to bring the thunder... and we do. Elmer, my 2019 Harley-Davidson Low Rider, and I have enjoyed some great wind therapy sessions and adventures together. I hope every rider will be as fortunate as I have been to enjoy and be a part of such a special community of people, who are just trying to get to the other end of the day like I am. Ride within your abilities, respect others on the road and most importantly - have somewhere to go and someone to see - on your motorcycle! You’ll be glad you did. Thanks again Jess for bringing us along with you.

[LivingOnCash]

It ain’t the years, it’s the miles. Nothing beats seat time. It’s also a mental thing. I’ve been a licensed mc rider since 1972 and there are still days when I feel “off”. I have the experience to realize that those are days to take it easy and not push things. Then there are those days when you are so tuned in to your bike that you feel like you could thread through the eye of a needle. Those are the rides that stick in your mind and keep you on two wheels.

[RIPbiker]

I've been riding for 19 years on different motorcycles across the country with over 150, 000 miles in the saddle in all types of weather. I'm experienced, that's what I'm getting at. I talk to myself and to the bike, she's a member of the family and my friend. Sounds silly, but I don't want her to get hurt just as much as I don't want to get hurt. I'm more careful and more aware. But recently I was witness to a horrific event that claimed the lives of 4 bikers. It has shaken me to the core and I've been struggling with my riding because of it. I'm just now getting through making stupid mistakes because I'm afraid, whereas before, I was not. I'm getting over it slowly, but being scared is dangerous too, and I wanted to point that out.

Over the years, I've had days where I didn't want to ride and so I didn't, but more often than not I ride near daily. I used to commute on the bike but now I have a company car and am not able to, but I'd prefer to if I could. All in all, I think it;s great advice. Especially, "Ride your own ride." Don't get sucked in to what others are doing. I do group rides also but would say that group rides are a more advanced form of riding and should not be done as a beginner, but, if possible, always ride with someone in the beginning. I did and I feel like it helped me get through that initial hurdle.

Lastly, and this is tough for everyone I think; don't get so confident you forget to check simple things, cover your brakes at intersections, or think you can take that turn at that high speed. Never try to reach your limits, practice and push yourself to know where your limits are and stay under them.

[phillipsheffield]

Being a younger rider and daily commuter on a motorcycle, I definitely experience rider anxiety and also in real life. So it's nice to hear there are other people out there who worry about the same thing! Have a wonderful day

[ajdemant]

I don't ride NEARLY as much as I want to and it reflects in my skill level. I'm not as comfortable as I want to be. I'm struggling to find a balance between being a mom to young kids who want to spend time with me and riding. When I'm finally on my bike I feel fairly comfortable riding within my skill level but actually putting on all my gear and backing my bike out of the garage, my heart pounds and I get that nervous adrenaline rush you get waiting in line for a roller coaster. I have to start pushing myself or I will never get the comfort and skill level I want to achieve.

[Steve-eced]

When I first started riding I used to trip out over road surfaces. Tar snakes, uneven pavement, grooved surfaces, etc. I would tense up and stare down at the road and have a mini panic attack. Thought I'd never get over it and was super discouraged, but you're 100% right, if you keep riding you slowly gain more and more confidence. I think back to that time now and laugh at how much of a puss I was being LOL

[louierivera]

Love your honesty, encouragement and advice. I have lots of anxiety to over come. i’m a new rider barely 1 month, i bought a new Kawasaki ninja 650, i have lots to learn so thank you, thank you, thank you!

[dinasaurusx]

Hey Jess! I am a 48 yr old woman, wife and mother of 2 grown girls. I started riding about 4 years ago. I took the motorcycle course too and passed it. I was so proud of myself but when I got my own bike and started riding, I was petrified. The course was great for the know-how and for learning some skills but it did not help with my anxiety at all. So I just started out by sitting on my bike, starting her up, taking her for small trips around my neighborhood, all the things you listed. I did this for a while until I was brave enough to go on a longer rider...about 2 hours round trip. But I still wasn't gaining much confidence. I even stopped riding for a while feeling frustrated and like a failure. Then I starting thinking that my bike didn't fit me quite right. So I went shopping and found one that did. Now I am back out there, getting that riding experience again and telling myself that I can do this!
I also just recently found your channel and watching your videos makes me feel not so alone in my struggles and has given some a sense of empowerment. So I want to thank you for that and for taking the time to share your experiences with us.
I look forward to when I go on my first road trip!

[tommydacheese]

I’ve been riding for a little over a year. I’m the classic old guy on a motorcycle . I’ve been a paratrooper in the us army and taking that bike out for the first time was more fearful than jumping out of an airplane for the first time. I took my time and rode my own ride. I rode a lot and was willing to learn from others. Every ride is a learning experience . It does indeed get better and so much more fun as you hone your skills.
Thanks Jess for sharing you experience.

[heathermayheu]

Your video is exactly what I needed. I took a beginner class last year and I was so excited and psyched myself up to succeed. Had never operated a bike before and thought this class would be perfect since it was a beginner learn to ride course. Well....it wasn't that day as the other 15 men in the class were taking the class to get the endorsement on their license for insurance reasons and had been riding for years and years. It was the first class offered after COVID so they all piled in. They were super supportive of this here newbie and I was holding my own through the exercises but it was very fast paced as they all were zipping through each skill set. I was having a hard time getting my bike in neutral and the one instructor was getting angry with me. One of the guys told her to check my shifter since he thought it was broken. It was so they got me another issue. The one instructor was cool and trying to help me through but the other one told me I should have practiced before I came....don't know how as I didn't have a bike to practice on and it was supposed to be a learn how to ride class. Needless to say I didn't pass and I went out to my car and cried. I felt like I let myself down and my best friend who was supposed to take the class with me but she died from breast cancer the winter before. Every time I thought of that day I got so anxious about whether or not I could do this. I decided last week a year later to try again...different place and a course that is definitely designed for beginners. I am going to do this for me. Am I a mixed bag of emotions...you betcha but I want this and I will use your tips to get into the mindset I need to have. Thank you for your story!!!

[brendanmills]

I had some anxiety, even after riding for 12 years. It took getting a bike that fit me better which caused me to have more confidence with the bike and watching Jerry "Motorman" Palladino's videos on YouTube (Ride Like a Pro), ordering his training videos, and practicing his lessons.

[Weesc]

At 1:35 you tell your viewers how you failed your motorcycle riding foundation course while your helmet-mounted GoPro captures the beautiful scenery as you ride along the backroads of your neighbourhood. Immediately, I clicked the like button. You’re a champion in my book! Keep on riding, and more power to you. Watching from Thailand. 🙏🏽🇹🇭

[Jerseydaves]

2 years ago at 55 I took the course dropped the bike on Emergecy stopping. Embarrassing! Went across the street to dmv got my permit . Next day purchased a brand new 2018 heritage. Had it delivered first ride 10 miles nervous. Went back passed the test have gone over 7000 miles. Love it 😍!