Learning to Ride as an Adult - A bold and wonderful decision

Discover the transformative journey of learning to ride a motorcycle in our latest episode. Delve into the rich emotional tapestry that new riders experience, filled with excitement, anxiety, and triumph. We explore how adults of all ages choose to embark on this thrilling adventure and what drives them to pursue motorcycling later in life. The episode captures the joy of observing a class of new riders, showcasing their diverse backgrounds and motivations—each path uniquely inspiring while echoing a common theme of freedom and self-discovery. 

Listen as we facilitate a heartfelt discussion about the allure of the open road, the connections formed within the riding community, and the personal growth that can come with conquering fear and mastering a challenging skill. The podcast also addresses the transformative power of embracing new experiences, encouraging individuals to reflect on their own passions and goals. This episode is not just a guide for potential riders—it’s an invitation to join a welcoming community that celebrates adventure and joy. 

Embrace your inner rider—subscribe today to continue your journey with us and share your stories and experiences!

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Episode Transcript

Ron Francis (00:03):
Just recently, I stopped by to watch a class of
new motorcycle riders.
What a thrill it was to seethis mix of men and women, young
and old, all learning to ride.
There were about 10 of them outthere.
There was a large space markedoff with cones and paths that
were drawn onto this largeparking lot.
As they rolled by, under thewatchful guidance of their

(00:27):
instructors, I could see themixed emotions on their faces,
every reaction, from sheerterror to laugh out loud
happiness.
I could just see it in theireyes.
And how did I feel aboutwatching them?
Well, I was just so happy forthem.
Really, I almost got emotionaljust standing there and watching

(00:49):
, because it reminded me of whenI learned to ride, even though
I was just a little kid,learning to ride a motorcycle.
It changed me forever andthat's certainly my hope for
them.
Learning to ride a motorcycle,especially as an adult, is a
very bold move, isn't it?
You know, some of us learn toride, you know little bitty

(01:11):
bikes as kids.
I learned when I was 11 yearsold and you know I was on a slow
bike, low to the ground, justlike myself and underpowered
just like me.
But learning to ride as anadult?
Well, but learning to ride asan adult?
Well, that takes a wholedifferent motivation, doesn't it
?
It begs the question why arethey choosing to learn to ride

(01:31):
now, as adults?
Well, let's talk about it, staytuned.
Recorded in beautiful Loveland,colorado.
Welcome to Peace, love Moto thepodcast for motorcyclists
seeking that peaceful, easyfeeling as we cruise through
this life together.
Are you ready?
Let's go?

(01:52):
Yeah, it was just something tosit back and watch.
It just filled my heart withjoy I guess that's the best way

(02:15):
I could describe it.
I couldn't stop smilingWatching those new riders take
their very first steps, or rolls, rather, into the world of
motorcycling.
As I learned, it was a two-dayclass including both classroom
and on-the-bike training.
Once completed, the riderswould earn their motorcycle

(02:39):
endorsement and the ability toride on public roads, so that's
really cool.
It was a typical scene, Isuppose, of a basic motorcycle
training course.
You had the cones out therecarefully marking out a path on
the large parking lot.
You had, in this case, twoinstructors that were out there
guiding the students, and, yeah,the students were a mix of
young and old, men and women,all with one goal to learn to

(03:01):
ride well enough to get theirlicense.
And that was just great, as Iwatched them go through their
drills, even when it was just afew minutes, but I felt like I
saw it all.
Yeah, I saw it on their facesSheer terror for some, the
determined focus for others andmoments of pure laughter for

(03:22):
others.
And those little victories asthey started to get the hang of
it and honestly, again, I feltnothing but happiness for them.
I was so happy for them becauseI remember being 11 years old
when my mom dropped me and myfriend Jimmy off at the movie
theater to watch the brand newBruce Brown film called On Any

(03:45):
Sunday, which was aboutmotorcycle racing.
Oh, my goodness, I was sold.
I had to have a motorcycle orsomething like that.
So it was that very same yearthat dad took me to buy my first
little bike.
He was a tiny little red minibike with a lawnmower engine.

(04:09):
Now, in my 60s, when I put onmy helmet, I returned to my
11-year-old self, in many waysthrilled by the opportunity to
be transported to anotherphysical place and, especially
these days, to a new state ofmind.

(04:32):
Learning to ride a motorcycle asan adult is a bold move.
I think we would all agree onthat.
As I mentioned.
You know, some of us grew up ontwo wheels, starting off with
little dirt bikes, wobblingthrough the backyard or in the
field near our house and gettingthe feel for the throttle years
before we were going to get adriver's license.
But for many, the decision tolearn to ride seems to come a

(04:57):
lot later in life, which begsthe question why, why now?
Why why now?
Well, for sure, everyone willbe telling you how dangerous
motorcycles can be, howexpensive they are, not only to
buy one but to have all theriding gear that you need, plus

(05:21):
the extra insurance, the gas,the costly maintenance, and all
of that is absolutely true.
So why do people choose to stepinto that world anyway, as an
adult?
Well, for some it's all aboutfreedom.
It's this romance with the openroad.
You know that we see it infilms and it's true, at least in
my experience.
It is an amazing experience tobe out on the open road, the

(05:42):
middle of nowhere, alone.
I think it's wonderful.
Actually, it's this unspokencall.
Maybe some are feeling now toexperience the world a little
bit differently.
For others, who knows?
Maybe it's about conqueringfear, proving to themselves that
they can master something thatcan be challenging, dangerous
and challenging, challenging,dangerous and challenging.

(06:09):
Maybe it's a midlife awakening,a realization that just life is
just too short not to chase thethings that excite you.
For some, maybe, it's justfulfilling a lifelong dream,
something they always wanted todo but never had a chance to.
So what are they going toexperience out there?

(06:32):
Well, for some, many people needto be a part of a community.
Some of us just need to connectwith others.
No, actually, all of us need toconnect with others.
I think that's more true.
Something in common withsomebody else Riding a
motorcycle connects us.
Oh, it absolutely does Not justto the machine and this whole

(06:55):
new world of like-minded peoplewho understand the magic of the
road.
Yeah, yeah, magic is a good wayto describe it.
It's someone else that you'reconnecting with that comprehends
it.
All right, they understand thatsometimes it's cold, sometimes
it's hot, sometimes it's windy,it's always kind of dangerous,

(07:15):
but we go do it because it justmakes us feel wonderful.
We love connecting with nature.
We love connecting with thisbrotherhood or sisterhood of
other riders who share the samepassion for adventure and maybe
some self-discovery.

(07:40):
So to those listening who mightbe considering taking that first
step in learning how to ride amotorcycle.
I would encourage you, go forit.
Yeah, it's scary, yes, therewill be moments of doubt, but
you'll also experience a kind ofjoy and confidence that only
comes from embracing a newchallenge and for many of us,

(08:02):
motorcycling, it just makes ushappy.
It just does so for those newriders.
Welcome to the family, welcometo an experience that may change
your life in a positive way.
Go out there and ride, go behappy and, by the way, spread a
little joy while you're outthere.

(08:22):
Thank you so much for listening.
Until we visit again, I wishyou peace.
I wish you love, thank you.