Working with mentors or coaches has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and for good reason. A little guidance and support can go a long way when it comes to our careers, ambitions, goals, and personal relationships. Transferring this practice into the motorcycling world can be highly beneficial, too. A motorcycle mentor can be a source of advice, support, and encouragement, and they can help you progress with your riding and your confidence by leaps and bounds.

If the idea sounds good to you, here are some ideas on how to find a motorcycle mentor:

Ask a Friend

Finding a motorcycle mentor can be as simple as asking a friend for support. If you know a motorcyclist who is more experienced than you and is supportive and kind, don’t be afraid to ask to ride with them, listen to their advice, and learn from their experiences. Perhaps they could take you out on a short motorcycle trip, a practice day on the twisties, or simply grab a coffee and share some practical moto advice. All you need to do is ask!

Approach a Role Model

With the accessibility of social media, most of us have several role models we follow and admire on their blogs, Instagram pages, or YouTube channels. If you have a role model who inspires you, reach out to them using direct messaging, or leave a comment on their page. Tell them you love what they’re doing and ask for some advice. Most experienced riders out there are usually happy to help others out, share their experiences, and have a chat. Remember that they, too, started out exactly where you are now, they too have struggled, and perhaps they have felt overwhelmed, alone, or scared…or whatever. Just like you. Shoot them a message, and who knows, they may just become your motorcycle mentor.

Mingle on Facebook

Joining Facebook groups can be an excellent way to find your moto mentor. Granted, there are countless rider groups out there and it can be hard to pick the right one. I suggest joining several groups, feeling what the vibe and community culture are like. If you feel included and supported, a mentor may emerge naturally and organically among the group members. I run a Women’s Motorcycle Confidence Group on Facebook and its purpose is to help women motorcycle riders find mentors and gain access to a nurturing community of supportive riders. Feel free to join and connect with riders there – this group is aimed at connecting women on two and three wheels and is brand agnostic. Come as you are and we’ll meet you where you’re at in your riding life.

Pay It Forward

As you’re looking for a motorcycle mentor, don’t forget to help other riders on their journey. If you see a newbie asking for motorcycle tips, or if you notice a new online forum or group member feeling shy about asking for advice, or if you can help someone who is struggling with an issue you have a solution to, pay it forward and help them out. A good way of looking at motorcycle mentoring is thinking of it as a group ride. You always try to follow and learn from the more experienced riders in front of you, and you always wait and make sure the slower, newer riders behind you are doing OK. If we all strive to be as good as those in front of us and to help those behind us, the motorcycle mentor chain stays intact and benefits us all. Even the experienced riders.