When my husband decided to return to motorcycling, it reignited something he’d loved as a child. In March 2025 he completed his CBT before passing both his Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests.
That summer I spent some time riding pillion with him, and before long I found myself thinking, “Let’s be brave.”
So, in August 2025, I booked my own CBT.
I was fortunate to have a great introduction before training, practising on my husband’s Honda Grom in a quiet car park. That extra time getting used to the controls and balance made a huge difference, and I breezed through my CBT and the slow-speed manoeuvres.
There was just one thing I wasn’t so confident about.
Cornering.
Even now it’s the part of riding that challenges me the most, but every ride helps build a little more confidence. That’s something I’ve learnt very quickly—confidence doesn’t appear overnight, it grows mile by mile.
A week after passing my CBT, I bought my own bike: a blue Yamaha XSR125. I still ride it today and absolutely love it. It’s given me the freedom to build my experience at my own pace while discovering what I enjoy about riding.
As I’ve gained experience, I’ve also started thinking about what comes next. I know that when I move on to my full licence, I’ll probably want a bike with a flatter seat that suits me better, so I’ve already started comparing different options.
For now, though, I’m concentrating on taking the next step in my training.
Rather than rushing through, I’m planning to book training days on larger bikes before tackling my Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests after the Summer. It feels like the right approach for me, allowing me to become comfortable on bigger machines before taking the test.
If someone asked me for advice about learning to ride, it would be simple:
Take your time. It isn’t a marathon. Confidence comes the more you ride.
Some of my favourite memories aren’t about spectacular roads or overseas adventures—they’re the simple moments that make motorcycling special. One of my first rides was to the famous Super Sausage Café for a full English breakfast, which felt like a proper biker milestone.
Another favourite was a trip with my husband to Stratford-upon-Avon, returning through the Cotswolds. It was October, so it was certainly chilly, but the scenery and the experience made every mile worthwhile.
I haven’t ridden abroad yet, but that’s definitely on the bucket list. Italy is my dream destination, and hopefully one day I’ll be exploring those roads on two wheels.
Like many riders, life sometimes gets in the way. Childcare responsibilities and the unpredictable British weather don’t always make riding easy.
But whenever I get back on the bike, I’m reminded exactly why I started.
It began with being brave enough to give it a go, and every ride since has brought a little more confidence, a little more freedom, and a lot more enjoyment.
Congratulations Sarah on passing your theory - one step closer, Ed :)