Better Riding: a hero’s journey from novice to mentor

In this episode of Better Riding we continue the focus on mindset, building on previous discussions around intuition, cognitive bias, and behavioural psychology by looking at look at the steps it takes to move through a motorcyclist’s journey from novice to mentor.

Using ‘The Hero’s Journey’ – a psychological and practical framework - we look at how each of the twelve steps of growth and change can be related to and relevant for motorcycle riding.

Mark McVeigh, a professional rider coach, ex-MotoGP engineer, and founder of motoDNA provides the insight, and having trained over 10,000 riders, Mark brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on how our minds can be both our greatest asset and our biggest obstacle on two wheels.

Read on for an overview of the accompanying video or watch it here: 

Better Riding: a hero’s journey from novice to mentor

Discover how the Hero’s Journey framework helps motorcyclists evolve from novice to mentor. 12 transformative steps to becoming safer, smarter, and more mindful on the road.

Brought to you in partnership with Honda Motorcycles UK, the Better Riding series is a collection of self-help videos and written guides packed with practical tips, expert advice, and simple yet effective exercises. Designed for riders of all levels, it aims to boost confidence, improve machine control, and complement traditional post-test training. Because when your skills improve, so does the fun.

Discover more of Mark McVeigh’s expert coaching at MotorbikeCoach.com.

What is The Hero’s Journey?

Originally developed by Joseph Campbell, The Hero’s Journey is a storytelling framework used in everything from Star Wars to personal development. Here we apply it to motorcycling to help riders reflect on their growth, challenges, and responsibilities.

Mark explains that this narrative mirrors the transformation riders undergo from novice to mentor, and how understanding this journey can lead to safer, more mindful riding.

Step 1: The Ordinary World

Meet Joe, our fictional rider. He’s just passed his test and is commuting and riding for fun. Like many new riders, Joe is navigating traffic, learning the ropes, and unaware of the deeper skills and responsibilities involved in motorcycling. We all remember being released into the wild having passed our test, right?

Step 2: The Call to Adventure

Joe begins to notice crash statistics and realises he lacks quality training. He questions his assumptions - like thinking sliding out is safer than controlled braking - and starts to see the gap between perception and reality.

Step 3: Refusal of the Call

Despite the warning signs, Joe believes he’s skilled and careful. This phase reflects the Dunning-Kruger effect - where limited experience leads to overconfidence. Joe’s unconscious incompetence puts him at risk.

Step 4: Meeting the Mentor

Joe encounters a seasoned rider who introduces him to the ethics and responsibilities of riding. This mentor figure helps Joe shift his mindset from thrill-seeking to thoughtful riding, echoing research on relational responsibility.

Step 5: Crossing the Threshold

Joe embraces training, connects with fellow riders, and begins to reflect on his actions. He becomes more accountable, reducing close calls and earning the trust of his family and peers.

Step 6: Tests, Allies, and Enemies

Old habits resurface. Joe rides too close to cars and assumes visibility. He starts to identify cognitive traps, like ‘just this once’, and learns to examine his decisions more honestly.

Step 7: Approaching the Inmost Cave

Group riding introduces new challenges. Joe realises that herd mentality can dull personal vigilance. He reflects on assumptions and the risks of relying on others’ reactions.

Step 8: The Ordeal

Joe faces a near miss - a tight corner, poor visibility, and an oncoming car. He regains control but learns a hard lesson about speed and assumption. Sadly, a friend isn’t so lucky, deepening Joe’s awareness.

Step 9: The Reward

Training and reflection pay off. Joe understands that responsibility isn’t restrictive—it’s empowering. He becomes a role model, not just for himself but for other riders.

Step 10: The Road Back

Back on everyday roads, Joe rides defensively, anticipates danger, and practices mindfulness. He’s upgraded his bike and embodies the principles of this Better Riding curriculum.

Step 11: Transformation

Joe helps another rider after a close call, sharing his experience with empathy and leadership. He becomes a mentor, guiding others through their own journeys.

Step 12: Return with the Treasure

Joe is now a coach, sharing his story and promoting thoughtful, conscientious riding. He represents the peak of the Hero’s Journey - transforming personal growth into community impact. 

In summary, riding isn’t just two wheels and wild freedom. It’s an agreement you make with the road, yourself, your family, and the motorcycling culture. By training, reflecting, and riding ethically, riders become part of a culture that values safety, humility, and growth. We often talk about motorcycling being the greatest club in the world. It’s relatively simple to join but to make the most of it take plenty of practice and an understanding 

I’ll often commentate to myself when riding to remind myself of potential hazards and what my responses are to avoid possible danger. If you don’t already, why not try it?

Or, if you have an action camera (here’s a link to our reviews of the most recent 14 options), record your ride and review it afterwards looking at possible areas to improve. And if you’re not sure then ask us over at BikeClub or on our private Facebook Group. 

Striving to improve is part of human nature. Be that a passion, hobby, or even your profession, we all want to be better at it. In motorcycling, that pursuit of progress can be the difference between a good ride and a great one - or even between a close call and a safe arrival.

Spotting the oil patch, dodging the pothole, reacting to the unexpected, those moments test the skills you've practiced. And when they pay off, you know the time spent training was worth it. We all want to ride better. And riding better means riding safer. 

Better Riding is supported by Honda Motorcycles UK as part of their commitment to rider safety and their goal of achieving zero traffic fatalities involving Honda mobility products by 2050.