I'm not an imposter any more

[klingon]

It suddenly occurred to me today that I finally feel like a 'real' biker. I hadn't really been aware that until now I had felt like I was pretending to be a biker. To untrained observers I looked like a biker - I had all the gear and rode a bike! But inside I still felt like I was just putting on an act.

But over the last few weeks something has shifted. I think it has been a combination of several things.... getting my 6R license, commuting on the motorway, riding out of town... even being able to have a sensible conversation about bikes with someone I met at a party!

I wonder if this 'imposter syndrome' is common among new bikers. I didn't consciously know I had it, but now it's gone I feel quite different.

Hmmm... After a year of riding almost every day, I think I've finally grown up.

[merv]

Good on ya girl, all growed up now!!

[Maha]

even being able to have a sensible conversation about bikes with someone I met at a party!

I wonder if this 'imposter syndrome' is common among new bikers. I didn't consciously know I had it, but now it's gone I feel quite different.

'imposter syndrome'.....never used that term...i used the La' Kwant Syndrome...La' Kwant tm = Like A Kid With A New Toy.......still use it from time to time...oh and at parties?... i just rant and rave, but i wont anymore, its worth nothing...

[Lteejay]

Thats pretty cool. Next you'll be getting tats

[Trudes]

I can see where you're coming from, I kind of felt a bit that way until I got a bigger bike and did a few trips out of town. Good on ya for joining us truly!

[Knottie]

I actually feel the same way I'm still feeling like I'm posing on the bike, but i just love my new baby so much i think it's just the honeymoon phase thing, once the novelty wares off I'll feel different I'm sure.
Still it's a bit like having a new man, cant wait to ride it when ya get home!

[Mystery]

I wonder if this 'imposter syndrome' is common among new bikers.

As a relatively new biker, I definitely suffer from "imposter syndrome". I think it has a lot to do with lack of confidence! I know that is definitely my problem, I just cant imagine riding as well as others I have seen/met.
I'm very pleased to hear that you have overcome it !

[007XX]

Yipee...

i know exactly what you mean. Felt like that a few times over a few months, then did a couple of really big rides that people thought I was crazy to do...then came this really great newfound confidence that just made me feel that I belobged as a serious rider...like a coming of age!

Very cool Klingon!!

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Hmmm... After a year of riding almost every day, I think I've finally grown up.

Yup youd alled growed up... told it only gets better... Have fun

[Phil W]

Hey Nighthawk, you got something with the music. Grew up with Hawkwind/Gong etc etc. Liked some of the tracks.

[heyjoe]

It's called confidence and its nice to have. Welcome to the next level but hey - it looks just the same as the previous one. It's all how you feel and its a nice feeling. Enjoy.

[The Stranger:Me]

Hmmm... After a year of riding almost every day, I think I've finally grown up.

real biker != grown up

[Neon]

Oh hell yes I'm just a cage driver impersonating a bike rider. I imagine it will be a while yet before I feel like a 'real' biker!

[FROSTY:Me]

I think new bikers are like new converts to cristianity.(or to amway as a funny observation) They wear their bikerdom on their sleeves.
It takes a little while to get comfortable as a biker -maybee even relaxed into it is the right phrase

[deanohit]

i know exactly what you mean. Felt like that a few times over a few months, then did a couple of really big rides that people thought I was crazy to do...

Same here, for me, I only did the odd run into town or around the local back roads here, then I decided to ride home to Picton from Tauranga. My mum told me I was crazy to do it on a 200cc trail bike, but I was so keen. Did it and had a ball even though it rained the whole way down. Came back up on a mates truck just cause I had too much gear for the bike.
Then when I did the Corro Loop ride with EJ, suddenly I felt like a Biker when EJ started asking for advice on how to ride on gravel, I was like 'hey, thats right, I'm the experianced on here!' Was great!

Congratulations Klingon on becoming a real HARDCORE BIKER!!!