The "Am I a Real Biker Yet?" Syndrome: Overcoming New Rider Imposter Syndrome

Riding Verse
Jan 22
2 min read

The "Am I a Real Biker Yet?" Syndrome

You just bought your first bike. You have the gear, the license, and a grin that won't fade. But then you pull up to a red light next to a guy on a massive, mud-caked adventure bike who looks like he just rode in from Ladakh.

Suddenly, you feel small. You feel like a kid playing dress-up. You worry that everyone knows you stalled three times trying to leave your driveway this morning.

Welcome to "New Rider Imposter Syndrome." It’s that nagging voice in your head that says you aren't a "real" biker until you've done an Iron Butt challenge, fixed a puncture on the side of a highway in the rain, or own a specific brand of motorcycle.

The Truth About the "Real Biker" Myth

Here is the secret that the seasoned riders won't tell you: We all felt like that at the beginning. Every single one of us.

There is no secret handshake. There is no mileage requirement. The idea of a "real biker" is a gatekeeping myth designed to make people feel superior.

The riding community is incredibly diverse.

There's the guy who only rides to the office and back. He's a biker.
There's the girl who spends every weekend polishing her chrome cruiser and only rides on sunny Sundays. She's a biker.
There's the person on a 100cc commuter bike doing a grocery run. They are a biker.

The Only Metric That Matters

Don't let the fear of judgment stop you from enjoying your ride. The guy on the big adventure bike? He was once stalling at traffic lights too.

The only thing that makes you a "real" rider is the act of riding. It's the feeling of freedom when you twist the throttle, the focus required to navigate a corner, and the joy of being on two wheels.

So, wear your shiny new gear with pride. Stall your bike. Take the wrong turn. It's all part of the journey. You are already one of us.

Did you ever feel like an imposter when you first started riding? Share your story on the Riding Verse and help a new rider feel welcome!