What do you really want to do but haven’t taken the opportunity to do it yet? For me, it was learning to ride a motorbike.

Thirty long years ago, when I was at University, I went along to a local motorbike training school and did my ‘Compulsory Basic Training’. I was in my 20’s at the time and had the confidence to give it a try.

Fast forward thirty years later and I never thought I’d have the ability to do it again. I convinced myself that I was too old and it would be too difficult. But then I was inspired by the life of Noraly Schoenmaker. Her YouTube channel is called ‘Itchy Boots’ and for several years now she’s been documenting her solo motorbike adventures across the world.

The way that Noraly navigates her way across different continents, oftentimes laughing off periods of adversity, is utterly infectious. She travels with an open heart and mind and in return for her pure authenticity, she has the most amazing interactions with people on her journey. She inspired me to have a word with myself and get on a bike again.

The Taster Session

Turning 50 gave me a mental kick to do all those things I’d been putting off for no good reason. Inspired by Noraly’s adventures, I contacted my local motorbike training school and booked a 1-hour taster session. The cost was really reasonable; £25 including use of the bike and the loan of a helmet, coat and gloves.

There was a little bit of trepidation when I got there and I can’t lie, there was a good dose of catastrophising; what if I crash? what if I drop it? what if I stall? what if I’m rubbish? Thankfully, the instructor was marvellous and guided me easily through the stages of getting to know the bike, clutch control, turning, stopping, indicating, and going up through the gears. The lesson was all in the safety of a tarmac space, away from any traffic so no danger there.

After the lesson, there was a great sense of accomplishment. I had proven to myself that I could do it, and it felt like I’d achieved a lot in a short space of time. What next? Well nothing for a few months as I’d convinced myself that I didn’t NEED a motorbike and if I did the next step of training then what’s the point as I have a car! So I did nothing.

Don’t let the the the fear of doing something new put you off from experiencing exciting opportunities!

compulsory basic training (again)

Here in the UK every moped or motorbike rider has to sit Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) to prove that they are competent in riding a bike. The training is normally one day long and involves classroom theory, riding a bike away from the road, then riding the bike on the road.

A few months after my 1-hour taster session I decided that ‘life is too short’ and that I should bike the bullet and do the CBT. Personally, I love to challenge myself and try new things. So on a cold February morning I was back on the tarmac with a new instructor and ready to ride.

By 2pm we had covered all of the sections of the training, including a long cold ride out on the local roads. This was the most exhilarating part of the day – being let loose on the streets under the watchful eye of the instructor. Challenge complete!

You’re never too old

Okay okay, so the saying of ‘you’re never too old’ is a huge cliche, but I totally believe this is true. If you have the desire to do something and the means to do it, then no matter what your age, give it a try! You won’t regret it! What’s next for me now that I’ve got my CBT? Well a friend of mine has potentially got a bike that I can borrow so you may just see me on the road very soon!

want to know more?

If you have any questions about learning to ride a bike, feel free to contact me here or reach out to me on Facebook / TikTok – look forward to hearing from you!

lets work together

If you’re at a time in your life where you’re contemplating some big changes, I can help. Check out the mentoring services that I offer and contact me if you have any questions.