What If I’m the Slowest One There? (And Why That Doesn’t Matter)
What If I’m the Slowest One There? (And Why That Doesn’t Matter)
It’s one of the most common thoughts women have before signing up:
“What if I’m the slowest one there?”
Not if I’ll have fun.
Not if I’ll learn something new.
But what if I don’t measure up?
That question alone has stopped more women from getting on a dirt bike than anything else.
And honestly...
You probably will be the slowest one there.
At least at some point.
And it doesn’t matter. Not even a little. I promise.
Speed Is the Least Interesting Thing About You
Somewhere along the way, we were taught that speed equals skill, and skill equals worth.
But dirt biking doesn’t actually work like that. Never has and never will. Ask any pro ; )
The fastest rider in the group isn’t always the most in control.
They’re not always learning the most
And they’re definitely not the one having the most meaningful experience.
Progress in riding looks like:
- Getting comfortable standing up for the first time
- Making it through a rocky section without stopping
- Picking up your bike on your own
- Trying again after you stall out… three times in a row...or maybe 10
None of that has anything to do with speed.
Everyone Starts Slow (Yes, Everyone)
No one shows up confident on day one.
Even the riders who look like they have it all together?
They’ve stalled. Fallen. Cried. Thought about quitting. Let's see some hands babes! (raising mine high for all to see*)
The difference is—they kept showing up.
When you’re the slowest, you’re not behind.
You’re at the exact beginning of your curve.
And beginnings are where everything happens.
Being “Slow” Means You’re Paying Attention
Riders who take their time:
- Learn technique faster
- Build better habits
- Stay safer
- Gain real confidence (not just momentum)
Going slow means you’re thinking, feeling, adjusting.
You’re actually learning how to ride, not just trying to keep up.
And that foundation? It’s what creates strong riders long-term.
The Right Environment Changes Everything
Here’s the part most people don’t realize:
In the right environment, being the slowest isn’t embarrassing—it’s expected.
It’s supported.
It’s celebrated.
Because everyone remembers being there.
In a strong community, no one is measuring you against them.
They’re rooting for you to stay in it long enough to find your own rhythm.
You Don’t Find Your People by Being the Best
You find your people by:
- Showing up
- Being open
- Laughing at yourself
- Trying again
Connection doesn’t come from performance.
It comes from shared experience.
And nothing bonds people faster than learning something hard together.
The Real Risk Isn’t Being the Slowest
The real risk?
Talking yourself out of it before you ever start.
Waiting until you feel “ready.”
Waiting until you think you’ll be “good enough.”
Waiting until you won’t stand out.
That moment doesn’t come.
Confidence isn’t what gets you there—
it’s what you build because you showed up anyway.
So What If You Are the Slowest?
Then you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
You’re the one:
- Building the foundation
- Learning the most
- Doing something new and uncomfortable
- Becoming a rider
And that’s a whole lot more powerful than being fast.
