Excuses Not to Learn to Ride 
 (and the Rebuttals)

So why aren't you riding?  Let me guess.

Excuse #1:  I might get hurt.

    Yes, you might.  Riding dirt bikes is not a sport for those without medical insurance.  If you're worried about injuries, ride slow and stay away from difficult terrain until you are comfortable that you can handle it.  Always have a first aid kit with you.  However, don't obsess about it.

Excuse #2:  Who will watch the kids?

    The person you came out to watch ride is your first candidate.  If that won't work, find someone else with kids and "trade-off" babysitting duty.  Check out your local clubs and riding areas and meet some people.  Search the net for people in your area.

Excuse #3:  It looks hard.

    Riding takes practice.  See my "learning to ride" page for some pointers.  It's much easier than you think as long as you don't try to tackle obstacles until you're ready for them.  First, find a large flat area and learn to use the controls.  Then slowly add obstacles.  Don't start out with the big double jump on the motocross track!  And don't let anyone push you to do things you aren't ready for.

Excuse #4:  I don't know anyone with the patience to help me learn.

    Chances are, if you're interested in this sport, you know someone who can help you get started.  Maybe your husband/boyfriend/wife/girlfriend or other family member rides or used to ride.  Or, find out where people around you ride.  Go and hang out.  Meet some people.  Ask them for advice (people like that).  If you're in the TCCRA, ask me.  I'm far from an expert, but I could help you with the basics.

Excuse #5:  I can't afford a bike.

    If someone in your household owns a bike and argues that you can't afford another, reply "it's my turn - let's trade that bike in!"  Depending on how different your heights and riding styles are, you might be able to share a single bike.  Or maybe two older bikes.  Can you sell or trade something that's been sitting unused in the attic or garage?  Bikes are generally cheaper than four-wheelers, even though it's harder to cart around passengers (do you really want your kids bouncing around on the front of a four-wheeler anyway?).  The point is to check out all of your options.

Excuse #6:  I'll be embarrassed when I mess up.

    You'll be concentrating so hard on what you're doing that you won't even notice the people around you.  Remember, they all had to start from the beginning too (although some of them may have been much younger - before the age of fear).  If it really bothers you, take your first few rides early in the morning before the crowds start to arrive, or go to an isolated area with some friends (not alone!).  And even the pros make mistakes sometimes!

Excuse #7:  I hate it when my {friend, spouse, kid, etc.} rides - why should I spend even more time out there?

    Most likely you hate it because you're not involved.  You can either let the resentment build about all the time and money HE/SHE/THEY spend out there - or you can join them.  Take your share!  Have some fun.  Learn some new skills.  Bond with the other riders.  Make new friends.  And lose that resentment.

Excuse #8:  I'm too old to learn how.

    Then this is the perfect sport, as dirt bike riding is all a state of mind and you're as young as you think you are.
Submitted by:  Shelagh Currah 11/15/99

I started riding at 29, Leslie from Canada started riding at 37, Rose from Texas started riding at 40. How old were you when you first put a leg over a dirt bike?

Excuse #9:  It's addictive.

Well, this one's apparently true.  Check out "Kicking the MX Habit".

Excuse #10:  My parents won't let me.

Sorry, this one's valid.  If you're still living at home, you have to respect your parent's decisions.  If you're determined to ride, show everyone that you're responsible.  Do some research into what all is involved.  For example, how much will it cost, not just to buy the bike and gear, but to ride, transport, and maintain your bike on a regular basis?  Find out how much time it will take to get to the local riding places and organizations, when they're open, and how much it costs to ride.  And remember, your parents are the ones who are responsible for your safety, and most likely they are the ones who would have to find the time and money.  So respect their decision.

Here's one person's story of how she overcame this "excuse":
My father told me as long as I was under his roof I would never own a dirt bike. So when I turned 16 I got a job and saved my money for one. He kept asking what I was saving my money for and I told him, he kept saying I should forget about it and have different goals in mind for my money. I had all the money saved up and it was approaching Christmas time. He asked me what I wanted for Christmas and all I asked for was his permission to use my own money to by a bike. He said forget it find something else you want. I told him this would be the saddest Christmas ever because I refused to ask for anything else and further more if he bought me anything I would simply return it and put the cash in my bike fund. So you can guess what was waiting for me under the Christmas tree, a brand new helmet. It was the best Christmas ever. Determination is the key. 
I never rebelled, I totally waited for his permission. And it worked.:)
Submitted by: Kara 10/25/00

Excuse #11  Girls don't ride dirt bikes, only boys

Absolutely not!  There's absolutely no reason that females of any age can't be out there riding and racing.  And there are plenty of women who do ride and race.  The numbers are growing every year.  Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something just because you're a girl!  Submitted by: Kari 4/24/00

Excuse #12  I don't want to wear all that gear. I hate being confined and too hot.

Yes, there is a lot of protective gear that you need to wear.  However, if you have a Camelbak or other hydration system and you keep moving, it's not really that bad.  You can buy lighter weight and/or mesh clothes and the more expensive helmets are very light.  You can also change out the foam in your goggles to allow more air flow.  Also, if you go very early in the day you can beat a lot of the heat.  And most of all, drink lots of water and Gatorade.
Submitted by Tracy Shelton 11/10/00

Excuse #13  I don't have enough body mass/height/weight to ride a dirt bike. Its too tough/rough to handle!

Payal's Solution: I started learning on my boyfriend's YZF426. I didn't really like it too much because it was too tall and heavy for my stature. I still kept trying my level best but I couldn't seem to get the hang of it or even develop an "awe" for it. But then, we went on a camping/dirt biking trip with some of his friends and we had to rent a bike for me coz everyone was going to have a bike. We rented an XR200 for me and I was the happiest beginning-rider in the world. I managed to do a lot of tougher trails than I had previously tried (my boyfriend was totally impressed he says!). When we got back from the trip, it was clear that it wasn't the sport that I disliked, it was just that I was trying with not-so-comfortable equipment. I now have an XR200 of my own and I love it! Summer is here finally and I have PLANS for me and my dirt bike! 

Moral: If you think you don't like riding at first, keep at it, then try a bike that's a little different (size, power, height, etc). Most often, its that which keeps you from enjoying a good ride!

Contributed by Payal Prabhu 6/16/03

Excuse #14 i dont wanna be laughed at when my kids faster than me (Motomaniac851@aol.com  August 2003)

Excuse #15 

Email me with your excuse and/or how you overcame an "excuse."

Back To Top

Join me in exploring women's experiences in the male-dominated world of dirt bikes.