Are You Ready to Overcome Your Motorcycle Riding Nerves?
If fear is stealing your freedom on the bike, now is the time to take it back with Mindset Coaching.
A compulsory read for all riders at any stage and a valuable resource for all trainers
I was so excited to receive my copy of this book. This book could have been written about me. I thought about giving up because I am struggling with learning, anxiety and lack of confidence. I thought I was the only one who felt this way. It focuses on what’s happening inside your head and I can relate to this totally.
After reading the book I have realised that it is not just my physical ability (although further training will help in this area) which is holding me back but my brain, my mindset. This book offers explanations and solutions. It has given me the confidence to move forward and I can’t thank Claire enough for bringing this to me and the Motorcycling world.
I’m really pleased with this book. It works for me as Claire intended. I have talked myself out of motorcycling several times for reasons similar to the ones mentioned in the book. But keep coming back. This time I’m sticking with it. It’s, I strongly believe, a very useful book for any motorcyclist but especially new and nervous ones. If I could only have two motorcycle training related books they would be Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Riders Handbook and Claire’s Remember you’re a Rider.
KenBefore I came across Claire and her wisdom, and this book, I was in the training process for my Mod 1 test. I had lost all confidence, I was quite literally terrified of my bike.
So I took a break in my training .
Then along came firstly Claire , then her book.
I could never have imagined the outcome of the knowledge I have received, it took me from close to passing out at the thought of riding, to passing my Mod 1 on Friday 13 of all days, first time.
I did of course use a training school who went above and beyond for me, but they were not able to organise my mind, from fear, to having the correct mind tools to get me to success . From not understanding why I was so scared, to recognising what I was feeling, to how to deal with it all, to the point of, I was excited to get on my bike, and unbelievably excited about the test on test day.
Honestly, read the book. It’s invaluable.
AndreaAs a retired police officer and Managing Director of a motorcycle training school, I’ve spent many years focused on rider safety, mindset, and professional standards. Remember You’re a Rider genuinely struck me on both a personal and professional level.Claire Jones completed her DAS course with us and passed her Module 2 motorcycle test through our school, so I’ve seen first-hand her commitment to development and growth as a rider. What makes this book so powerful is that it reflects that journey, honest, reflective, and grounded.The message is simple but profound: no matter our experience, qualifications, or confidence level, we are still riders. Human. Fallible. Always learning.The book challenges without preaching and encourages genuine self-reflection, something our industry needs more of. It reinforces that mindset, humility, and accountability are just as important as machine control and technical skill.
For instructors, advanced riders, and anyone serious about developing not just their riding ability but their awareness and responsibility, this is essential reading. I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
Thank you for writing such a great book, which really resonated with me both personally and professionally.
Alan Stevens, Managing Director, Camrider Ipswich, Norfolk & Diss I’ve been aware of Claire’s journey into the motorcycle world for a while now and can say she inspired me to do the same.
I have always been one of those people who struggle under test conditions so when I started reading her book it started to make sense why I do so.
So if you are like me and want to understand why you react the way you do under pressure then definitely give this book a try. It has made me far more aware of myself and how to take control of my fears.
Can’t recommend this enough.
SteveWow, I’m not sure where to start. I’d heard it was a good book. What I didn’t expect was to want to pick it up every day.
This isn’t your typical ‘how to’ guide. The information is well laid out, allowing time for pause and reflection, and explains in an easy to understand way with exercises at the end of the chapter. As someone who struggles to retain information, the little summaries at the end of each chapter help solidify the key takeaways.
It takes you on a journey with real rider stories throughout, and a clear explanation from the Author of what’s going on internally after each.
On every page I felt myself nodding along thinking me too! I can relate to that.
It also gave me an insight into how people learn and respond differently.I recommend this whether you’re thinking about riding, learning, or have many years of experience. In fact, I’ve passed this onto my husband who’s been riding for over 25 years so he gets an insight into how others learn so he can support me better, and maybe learn something himself.
KarenOrdered after seeing a number of recommendations.
I’d had extra training, and even tried hypnotherapy.
This may be the tool I was looking for to help me overcome the obstacles and continue my training as a motorcycle instructor, where I can help others who might struggle.
I would recommend this book without hesitation, if you have ever doubted yourself, or if you ‘freeze’ at certain obstacles or manoeuvres without knowing why.
I wish this had been around at the start of my journey when the issues first crept in.
Lorraine As a DVSA Instructor and motorbike training school owner, I can see how good the information in the book is. This needs to be read by every motorcyclist let alone those that might be struggling with learning new skills.
I also think that it should also become a part of every Instructor’s tool chest – I’ve purchased copies for all of my Instructors! It will undoubtedly help them be even better with a much wider spectrum of students.
Claire’s expertise is clear to see right from the first few pages. Coupled with both her real-life experiences whilst learning to ride and drawing on the experiences of others, it’s laid out in a clearly understandable and, more importantly, relatable format.
If you’ve got even the slightest niggling doubt about your riding ability then I urge you to buy this now!
Rich Woolgar, Director, ART Rider Training Brilliant book. It has really helped me understand why my body reacts to situations when riding.
I have overcome the pre-ride nerves and now have the tools to support my riding.
Thank you Claire
Louise Boakes, Mad About Bikes & Adventures Watch or listen to Louise of Mad About Bikes & Adventures giving a review of my book. Make sure you subscribe to their channel.
Read the article by High Peak Biker about my book. Make sure you subscribe to their blog for more
Why Motorcycle Mindset Is Important
You’ve invested in gear, training and practice – but have you invested in the one thing that keeps getting in the way of your progress?
Your mind.
I’m Claire Jones, award-winning mindset coach AND keen mid-life motorcyclist. I help riders retrain their brains, calm their nervous systems, and access their skills so they can ride safely with confidence.
My mission is to help riders see that developing a resilient, safe riding mindset, and understanding and managing their nervous system, are as important as investing in practical training, physical safety gear and a well-maintained bike.
Whether you’re learning from scratch, returning after a break, just never feel you can properly relax and feel safe, or feeling stuck after too many failed tests…
Mindset is the part that joins everything together.
Click the button below to subscribe for free. Get access to free and low cost workshops and other helpful resources, or scroll down to find out more about how to work with me
You’re not alone.
Learning a new skill, or coming back to a former one, isn’t just about technique. It’s about mindset too.
If fear or self-doubt is holding you back, if you find yourself dreading every time you have to go out, or if you’re not enjoying it the way you thought you would, it’s not just you.
Many people struggle with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out, facing performance anxiety, coming back after a break, and wondering why you’re still doubting yourself even after training, these challenges are more common than you might think.
Are you stuck in a cycle of “what ifs”?
Proud sponsor of Ride of the Ruperts raising vital funds for Whizz Kidz
Proud sponsor of the Bristol Biking Girls Calendar 2026, raising vital funds for Air Ambulances UK
“Am I The Only One Feeling Like This?”
Absolutely not. It’s normal. These worries are completely valid because starting something new, or returning to something that’s gone rusty, often comes with risks.
Your nervous system is acutely aware of the risks involved in doing something like riding a motorbike. Not only that, learning anything unfamiliar can feel challenging.
You know you want to move forward, but fear and doubt can easily hold you back for those reasons.
Then, the longer you wait, the harder it feels to get started or push through. When you do try, your body feels stiff, and it’s difficult to get it to do what you want, or your mind races and makes it hard to focus.
It’s important to remember that qualified training is essential for managing these risks and building the skills you need safely. Professional guidance helps reduce uncertainty, boosts confidence, and ensures you’re properly prepared to face challenges.
But mindset coaching can take it a step further. It helps you work through the normal mental barriers that might be holding you back, like fear, self-doubt, or anxiety.
By addressing these challenges, mindset coaching enhances your ability to absorb what you’re learning, stay calm under pressure, and keep moving forward even when things get tough. With the right mindset, you’ll feel more confident in applying the skills you’re gaining through your training, making the entire learning process more enjoyable and effective.
Top performers get support with their mindset, so why not you?
Top performers in any field of physical activity, including motorcycle racers, rely on mindset coaching to give them the edge they need to achieve greatness – a sharp mind and a sufficiently relaxed body to perform at their best.
So why not you, the everyday rider, who needs a sharp mind and a sufficiently relaxed body, to stay safe on the roads?
And here’s something interesting we often don’t realise…
Our brains don’t do all the learning while we’re actually practicing new skills. A lot of it happens when we’re not actively practicing – during the times off from learning, including when we sleep, or even in the quiet moments in between lessons.
If you lack self-trust, feel afraid of everything that could go wrong, and are constantly doubting yourself, it can block the learning process. It keeps you from practicing or moving forward. Or when you do try, you feel so uptight that you make small mistakes – like panicking and overcompensating.
When I was learning to ride my motorbike I did this a lot in the early days because I wasn’t able to relax, even though I had kind, patient instructors. I had to learn to trust myself first, and when I did, it made a huge difference in applying the training effectively.
Mindset support and using the skills I’d learned helped me reframe the situation. Instead of thinking I was useless or weak, I realised that what I was experiencing was just part of the process of learning.
I sought out extra support from my mindset coach, and even though I’m a coach myself, I knew that having a coach who could help me identify blind spots was invaluable. It allowed me to reframe my limiting beliefs and shift into positive action.
Of course, practical training is essential, but if your mind is running wild between lessons – no matter how good your instructor is – and you don’t know how to calm it, what do you do?
I understand because I’ve been there.
I thought I didn’t have what it took.
The good news? Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s something you build.
Just like athletes use dedicated mindset training to perform at their best, enhancing all their practical skills and abilities, you can use it to overcome fear, stay calm under pressure, and feel in control, allowing you to fully apply the skills you’re learning.
That’s what we do in Mindset Coaching.
Ways I Can Help You
Your options
I believe support should be accessible. That’s why in addition to the services listed above I also offer a free Facebook group, free 1-hour online group workshops, and free 1:1 initial consultations where we’ll discuss your issues and I’ll give you some tips.
These may be all you need.
But if you find you need more personalised support, you also have the option of working more in depth with me on a 1:1 basis. Together, we’ll tackle the mental roadblocks that keep you stuck. I’ll teach you mindset techniques to practice off the task, so you can bring them into your practice and feel focused, calm, and confident.
And I will always encourage you to continue your practical training. My work is not a replacement for that, but rather to enhance it for those who need extra support in building mental resilience.
I can guide you to the right resources and help you overcome any hesitations about asking for support.
The next step is waiting. Let’s get you moving forward.
Please note:
My role as a mindset coach is to support the mental and emotional side of your learning journey.
I do not provide practical training, assess your readiness, or make safety decisions about your activity.
That expertise belongs to your certified instructors.
My work enhances your experience by helping you manage nerves, build self-belief, and feel more in control — so you can get the most from your training, not instead of it.
What’s involved in YourOneLife Mindset Coaching?
Read my Journey from Nervous Beginner to Confident Motorcycle Rider here
Follow my biking journey on instagram @clairebear_bikerbean
Why I’m the Right Coach to Help You Build a More Resilient Mindset for Your Learning
I know what it’s like to struggle with fear and self-doubt when learning something new. I’ve been through it myself – and I’ve come out the other side. One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning to ride a motorcycle. From the early stages of feeling nervous and unsure to eventually overcoming my doubts and gaining the confidence to ride solo, it was a journey that taught me just how powerful mindset can be when it comes to overcoming fear and building self-assurance.
The turning point for me wasn’t just about gaining the physical skills needed to ride – it was about building the mental resilience to manage my nerves and self-doubt. I learned that the powerful combination of the right mindset and the right professional training, you can overcome fears and push past those mental blocks. I also learned this lesson from running 12 marathons, and training to be a firefighter (now retired) where I had to dig deep to find my inner strength and confidence, particularly when things got tough.
But beyond my personal experiences, I have the professional expertise to help you build a resilient mindset too.
I’m a national-award-winning life coach, educator, and personal trainer with a strong background in confidence-building, hypnotherapy, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), along with studies in psychology, including sport psychology. See my credentials here.
I am covered by professional indemnity and public liability insurance for my coaching and personal training, and am registered with a variety of professional bodies.
Before transitioning to coaching in 2020, I spent nearly 20 years as a senior manager in the NHS, where I was responsible for training, coaching, and staff development amongst other things. This experience gave me valuable insights into how to help others navigate the learning process, face mental obstacles, and develop the mindset needed for success.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just a coach – I’ve been where you are. Whether it was facing the nerves of my first motorcycle lesson or doubting my ability to succeed when I was struggling with confidence in driving or delivering talks or presentations, I’ve experienced first-hand what it’s like to feel stuck and unsure. But with the right training, both physical and mental, I learned how to overcome those feelings, build resilience, and push forward. Now, I’m here to help you do the same.
The combination of solid training and a resilient mindset is key. With the right physical skills and the right mindset to back them up, you can feel more confident, capable, and in control and reduce the risks to yourself and others. I’m here to guide you through that process, helping you face challenges with a clearer mind, stronger focus, and greater self-assurance.
Whether it’s overcoming nerves, pushing past setbacks, or applying new skills with confidence, I’m here to support you on your journey. Together, we’ll build the mindset that complements your training and helps you reach your full potential.
Disclaimer
The content shared on this website and in related social media posts is not intended as riding advice and should never replace professional motorcycle training or safety instruction. It is written from the perspective of a certified life coach and motorcyclist, not a qualified riding instructor.
My aim is to support your mindset and emotional resilience as you learn, ride, or return to the road. The tools and reflections shared are based on lived experience and coaching practice, not technical riding expertise.
You are responsible for your own safety, decisions, and actions on and off the bike. For practical riding instruction and technique, always consult a DVSA-approved motorcycle instructor or school.
Claire Jones is an innovative, national-award-winning life coach specialising in weight management, and a successful weight loss author, publishing her popular book How to Eat Less, on Amazon. She has been able to maintain a healthy weight since 2011, after overcoming 25 years of yo-yo dieting.
More recently she took up motorcycle riding at the age of 50 and had to work hard to overcome deep fears and lack of confidence in order to pass her tests. She has since ridden thousands of miles, and now uses a combination of her professional skills and personal experience to help other new riders to overcome their fears and build their motorcycle confidence too.
She also offers this service to anyone who wants to try any kind of new activity but is being held back by their fears.
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