Moto Adventurer Unscripted

Gauge Key is a Hard Enduro dirt bike racer from southern Kentucky. Gauge is a member of the Kentucky Cross-Coutnry Race Team (KXCR), was the top amateur in the 2022 Rebull Tennesee Knockout, a member of the elite class team that finished 2nd at the Perry Mountain 24-hour challenge. We talk about his early off-road experience riding cross country at a very young age. He tells us about his transition to racing "slow" but nearly impossible terrain in hard enduro and how it's become his passion. He tells us about his preparation and performance in Redbull TKO year, spare parts, racing woes, how he practices, and more. Follow Gauge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gauge.key8/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004733955159 KXCR Race Team: https://kxcracing.com/kxcr-race-team/

Life has been in the driving seat for the last few weeks but I say down to talk about my most recent experience racing my 2013 Triumph Scrambler in round 1 of Kentucky Cross Country Racing in Clay City, Kentucky. Scrambler Build: https://motoadventurer.com/2022/03/27/triumph-scrambler-project-stage-4-upgrades/ Race Video: https://youtu.be/Ol981cLbYE4 Race video with narration: https://youtu.be/9BSyg65KSO0 KXCR: https://youtu.be/9BSyg65KSO0

Andy Janik is back on the show to talk about everything "Adventure". Andy fills us in on his recent trip out to race the Biltwell 100. We debate what defines an adventure bike, how to set up a bike for ADV riding, how can we bring new people into the ADV segment. From training newer ADV riders, Andy offers advice for new adventure riders, and beginner ADV Rider pitfalls to avoid. We devolve into a discussion about dirt riders vs ADV riders, Tire nonsense and more. Follow Andy: https://www.instagram.com/overkillandy/ https://www.heavyenduro.com/

Darryl Cannon is the original photographer at the Tail of the Dragon. 318 curves in 11-miles, The tail of the Dragon is a section of US-129 outside of Maryville, Tennesse. On the show today, Darryl tells us about his early days of motorcycling. How he got the name "Killboy". How he started out shooting photos at Deal's Gap. Circumstances that led to leaving motorcycling. Plans for future video content, which actually led to talking about electric motorcycles. Risks of riding at Deal's Gap. How Covid has affected the area. Some of the best local roads. We touch on some of the better ADV roads and camping spots. Darryl's return to riding motorcycles and details on his new to him favorite bikes and more. Follow Killboy: https://www.killboy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/killboydotcom https://www.instagram.com/killboydotcom/ https://www.youtube.com/user/killboydotcom

KC is a painter and custom motorcycle builder. I met KC racing in the Kentucky cross-country series. We talk about his transition from motocross to woods racing, his early life in motorcycles in rural Kentucky, and how a myriad of odd jobs led into working in a shop with his dad. He tells me about what all goes into custom paint, including his personal "style" of painting. I ask him about his approach to custom bike builds, and his favorite projects. He gives me a few tips on how to keep track of a motorcycle when it's completely in pieces. We talk about his favorite motorcycle shows and what makes shows special. We cover the list of bikes that are in his garage, as he doesn't sell many of his motorcycles. He tells us a story about winning a brand new BMW in a contest, along with some anecdotal jokes about engineering. Along with who knows what else. Follow KC on Instagram @Krossover_Cusoms https://www.instagram.com/krossover_customs/ Follow Krossover-Customs on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Krossover-Customs-Paint-and-Fabrication-183520539211085/

Ben Williams is the personality behind @MotoCampNerd on Instagram. Ben's a motorcycle enthusiast, but also an avid camper. He operates a digital marketplace for camping gear with a bend toward moto-campers. We talk about what it takes to take a garage business to a brick-and-mortar business. We discuss targeted advertising, best marketing strategies, and his focus for the future. We also discuss how he and his wife like to set up a moto-camp and what gear and food they pack for the occasion. Follow Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motocampnerd/ Shop gear: https://motocampnerd.com/

Rick is a long-time friend of mine that is responsible for getting me into riding off-road and also introducing me to long-distance riding. Rick and his wife tour two-up for their annual vacation each year which usually means a 5,000 mile plus trip out to the western U.S. His wife does the navigating and Rick does the "driving". Rick and I discuss the details of that relationship, along with how he kept his Triumph Tiger 800 running for over 100,000 miles. We talk about selecting his next 1200cc touring motorcycle of choice, what goes into certifying a "Bun Burner Gold" with the Iron Butt Association, and how to make long-term riding friends. Bun Burner Gold: http://www.saddlesore.com/rides/bbg.htm Southern Ohio Adventure Loop (SOAL): https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/ive-got-s-o-a-l.1402955/

Pryce is a seasoned dirt bike racer, mechanic, entrepreneur, motorcycle rescuer, shop owner, and swap meet shark. Pryce and I talk about his upbringing in motorcycles, his time in and out of racing, switching from 4-strokes to 2-strokes and even dropping back down to the 125. How he got into choppers, swap meets, and building motorcycles. We discuss his time at the Powersports Institute, why he loves old motorcycles, how he puts together vintage bikes, and everything in between. Follow Pryce on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trigger_concepts_choppers/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triggerconceptschoppers Powersports Institute of Ohio Technical College https://ohiotech.edu/programs/powersport-technician/ "The Holler" https://youtu.be/zpGtf9Ig8io

Derek is the man behind the rebirth of the Kentucky Cross-Country Racing series (KXCR). Derek and I talk about his early riding experiences, his first series of motorcycles, his return to motorcycles after his military experience. We discuss what it takes to put on a racer series, tastes in dirtbikes, favorite riding terrain, and everything else. Follow Derek on Instagram Check out KXCR https://kxcracing.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kxcracing/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc69IhM6dOHTMiMniE2twMg Arenacross hurts: https://www.facebook.com/1691400377/videos/452455993241659/ No-man's Lookout: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-wfQXl9L0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

When Bill DeVore isn't chasing me around the Kentucky backcountry, photographing me crashing on the racetrack, or saving lives as an EMT, he's the president of Cincinnati Cafe Racer (CCR). CCR is a motorcycle social club built on Facebook with thousands of members across greater Cincinnati. CCR hosts the annual Garage Brewed Moto Show. The Garage Brewed show has bikes from custom choppers, vintage survivors, to scrambled UJMs and everything in between. Bill and I discuss the mechanics of hosting events of this scale. We talk about the different motorcycles in the show. How Garage Brewed raises money for local charities and a lot of other stuff. Garage Brewed Moto Show https://garagebrewed.com/ https://www.instagram.com/garagebrewed/ Cincinnati Cafe Racer https://www.facebook.com/CincinnatiCafeRacer Follow Bill on IG @FineMedic211 https://www.instagram.com/finemedic211/ Wankle Video Fort Nine video: https://youtu.be/-3HBAvkc4a0

Mark Sherrens is an ADV nut in northern Georgia. Mark and I discuss his lengthy experience with various KTM adventure bikes, his Tiger 800, and ultimately his return to KTM with his new 1090. We talk a lot about "big bike" life, riding in Georgia, Tennesse, and I think he's convinced me to ADV camp in Michigan. We discuss in jest and in seriousness about the different motorcycle archetypes you'll meet. Brace yourself for an overload of sarcasm and enjoy the show. Follow Mark @ride.wrench.repeat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ride.wrench.repeat/ South East Adventure Trail https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/seat-south-east-adventure-trail.1225114/ Trans America Trail https://www.transamtrail.com/

Liz Kiniery is from Philidelpia. She's an off-road racer, trailblazer, event organizer, and like all of our guests, she's moto-maniac. Today we talk a little about what it's like being an Urban motorcyclist, how folks evolve in the motorcycle experience, her experience working with the Delaware Valley Trail Riders. We touch on how motorcycles get names, her racing experience, hare scrambling versus enduro racing, and what it takes to put on a race event. Follow Liz @LizIsMoto on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizismoto/ Check out DVTR at: https://www.dvtrailriders.org/ DVTR FB group: https://www.facebook.com/DVTRofficial What it takes to put on an event: https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/the-hard-work-of-reviving-a-classic-off-road-motorcycle-race Check Out: https://www.overandoutmoto.com/

Aled Morgan is a rally racer, adventure rider, and off-road enthusiast. Aled has recently moved to Atlanta but was born in raised in Wales, UK. He has raced in various places around the world and shares his experience with rally racing. We talk about his beginnings in off-road riding, running Rally Duck, off-training, scrambling Harleys, philosophy of adventure motorcycle buying, and his transition to Triumph Motorcycles here in the US. Follow Aled on Instagram @Aledm9 or https://www.instagram.com/aledm9 Follow @RallyDuck: https://www.rallyduck.co.uk/about https://www.instagram.com/rallyduck/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyvbe3lSYaxZVOSNgZJypTw

Dana Brown is a Blogger, Instagram personality, adventure rider, Army veteran, and Triumph Tiger aficionado. Dana and I talk about his evolution as a motorcyclist, from dirtbikes in Colorado to the Tiger 900 Rally Pro in South Carolina. Dana has ridden ADV bikes in various locations around the US. We debate ADV bikes, ADV culture, East vs. West Coast Riding, and more. Follow Dana on Instagram @StrykerADV https://www.instagram.com/strykeradv/ and his blog: https://strykeradv.com/

Odessa Winter is an Instagram personality, beer brewer, adventure motorcyclist, and traveler. I caught up with her in the foyer of the Rottweiler Performance before she, her boyfriend, and their dog cross the Mexican border into Baja on a trip that lasts as long as they can afford. We talk about motorcycles, her travels across the US, her preparation for this trip, including a new to her bike, and a long tangent about making beer. Buckle up and enjoy the show. Follow Odessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winter.odyssey/

Susan is the better half of Heavy Enduro. As a 10-year on-road motorcycle veteran she talks about what it's like to start over completely as she's learned how to tackle dirt riding. She talks about the challenges of riding motorcycles, especially dirt bikes at the leggy height of 5'3". We talk the ins and out of track days, the glory of supermoto, crash stories, her plans for racing in 2022, and off-road and adventure training from a female perspective. We also cover an awesome charity she's supporting called Rally for Rangers. She's currently fundraising to get motorcycles to park rangers in Peru, where she'll be delivering the bikes firsthand. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdotzero/ https://www.instagram.com/heavyenduro/ Heavy Enduro Training: https://www.heavyenduro.com/training Rally for Rangers: https://givebutter.com/rallyforrangers-peru2022/susanseo https://www.instagram.com/rallyforrangersofficial/

This week I sit down with Andy Janik to talk everything motorcycles. Andy lives outside of Chicago and a big personality in the adventure space. Andy is the personality behind Heavy Enduro and he and his girlfriend spend their weekends teaching adventure motorcycle skills. In this episode we talk about his riding experience, his former Ducati MultiStrada Enduro, farkles and whatnot on his Tenere 700 and so much more. Check out Andy elsewhere: @overkillAndy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overkillandy/ WLF Enduro profile https://www.wlfenduro.com/pro-files/overkill-andy Heavy Enduro: https://www.heavyenduro.com/ https://www.instagram.com/heavyenduro/ Training: https://www.heavyenduro.com/training

I caught a news story about subscription farkles from Zero recently. I realize that's a bit of a stretch of terms, but ultimately bikes will be shipped with all of the options disabled unless you pay a premium to have upsec items activated. I discuss that, and motorcycle rentals and every farkle under the sun so buckle up with a good rant about "value". Above all else, hit me with your thoughts on farkles and what's really worth the money: MotoADVR@gmail.com @MotoADVR on Instagram

After test riding the KLX300R, I was left a bit disappointed in the chassis and suspension. As of late I've been looking through the Dual-Sport offerings on the market and there doesn't seem to be a bike that fits what I'm looking for. I have a strong suspicion many other riders are also searching for a unicorn motorcycle. What's yours? MotoADVR@gmail.com @MotoADVR on Instagram

I started to go off on a tangent about electric motorcycles back in the automatic transmission episode so I decided to record a dedicated episode about electric motorcycles. I admit, despite loving "the character" of a motorcycle, where electrics have none, I admit that there are major advantages to electric motorcycles and I'm anxious to ride one off-road. That said, they have some major flaws, not including range, that need to be fixed. Hit me with comments at MotoADVR@gmail.com or DM me @MotoADVR on Instagram, I'm anxious to hear your take. Thanks for listening!

I've recently heard more news about new Honda DCT motorcycles coming out. For those that don't know, DCT means Dual-Clutch-Transmission which for most people equates to "automatic transmission" for a motorcycle. I'm curious who these bikes are for, and if this is actually the future, considering how difficult it is to buy a manual these days. I'm anxious to hear folks' opinion so hit me at MotoADVR@Gmail.com with comments of DM me @MotoADVR on Instagram. Thanks for listening!

Advertisements are now so prolific there's virtually no escape. You see ads on Facebook, YouTube, magazines, and even while pumping gas. I believe the content we are getting is being filtered by advertisers and I think we need to move away from this business model before it's too late. Today I talk about the pitfalls of advertising and suggest an alternate method, but I need your help. Hit me at MotoADVR@Gmail.com with your thoughts, or send me a note @MotoADVR on Instagram. Thanks to listening!

Years ago I published a blog post about what 3 bikes I'd put in my "Dream Garage". After a tougher winter, I recently copied Peter Egan's formula and expanded that to 5 bikes. I also discussed that topic with Jon Beaver on the Crushing Miles Podcast so decided I'd circle back to it for a long-format monologue, including some runner-up bikes and some discussion about why. I'd also like to hear from the audience about what 5 bikes they'd put in their dream garage, hit me at MotoADVR@gmail.com with comments! Crushing Miles Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/drew-faulkner/id1551247626?i=1000511111291 How Many Motorcycles Do you Need? https://motoadventurer.com/2020/05/03/whats-in-your-dream-garage-how-many-motorcycles-do-you-need/

Incidentally, I get a lot of texts about bike selection. I love getting into the weeds with folks about the "best bike" for them. Not the best bike for me, the best bike for them. After several conversations over the last few weeks I took a minute to monologue for a bit about my personal "taste" in motorcycles, and then highlight various things that draw you to a bike. We debate stat sheets on the internet, but the bike that stirs your soul is the one you take home. Strap in, put your philosophy cap on and let's debate the nuances of motorcycles and why we love them. As always, I love to hear feedback, what your taste in motorcycles is, or if you're having a hard time picking a bike. Hit me up at MotoADVR@gmail.com and who knows, maybe we'll give birth to another podcast.

I've been wrestling with this topic for a while now and finally put a few coherent thoughts together. In a world where Amazon can have something at my doorstep tomorrow, why should I buy something from a brick-and-mortar store? There are a lot of good reasons, but businesses need to be making it easier to walk into their stores, not harder. That and more on the show today. As always, I want to hear your comments and feedback. Hit me at MotoADVR@gmail.com with comments on this topic or others, ideally, we can talk about them on the show. Find more content at: https://motoadventurer.com/ https://www.youtube.com/motoadventurer

After racing last season I noticed an uptick in the number of inquiries about racing so I figured I'd talk about what I've learned over the last year of racing Cross Country. If you've been debating about giving it a shot, here's a few tips and commentary about what to expect on race day. If you're curious about something and I didn't touch on it, or if you have comments or questions, hit me at MotoADVR@gmail.com. Full Write-up: https://motoadventurer.com/2021/02/27/hare-scrambling-101-your-first-cross-country-race/ Kentucky Cross-Country Racing: https://k-xcr.com/ Indiana Cross-Country Racing: https://www.ixcr.com/

On the heels of the previous podcast about my fears of Harley-Davidson's future, came the release of the new Pan America. Considering how this aligned so closely with so many of my comments, I rushed a quick response to what I think about the launch video, the bike, and more importantly what it means for the brand. Again, drop me your comments at MotoADVR@gmail.com Per my comments in the podcast, check out this write-up about the engine: https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/inside-harley-davidsons-new-dohc-revolution-max-1250-v-twin/

As more news of the new "Hard-Wire" plan trickles out, I'm more and more fearful about the future of Harley-Davidson. Today I get into the nuts and bolts of what I think is going on, and what I think Harley should actually be doing. Things have been hectic over the past few months so I apologize for being behind. Looking forward to comments from the audience. Hit me with e-mails at MotoADVR@Gmail.com Full Blog Post: https://motoadventurer.com/2021/02/20/harley-davidson-is-doing-it-wrong/

Joe is a moto personality on RevZilla's Highside/Lowside podcast, a moto journalist, and Media host for the RevZilla YouTube channel. After years of running his own motorcycle shop, Joe moved over to RevZilla; starting in customer service, moving on to become a Video Production Coordinator, and then on to being a Media Host and occasional print personality on Common Tread. Joe and I geek out over gearhead stuff, the different bikes Joe has in the garage, what it's like scrambling a classic scrambler, a little sneak peek at his job behind the scenes at RevZilla, and the general love of all things two wheels. For more Joe Zito check out the links below: https://www.instagram.com/zeeetow/ https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/by/135-joe-zito https://youtu.be/sZY3jDLwyWM https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/highside-lowside-motorcycle-podcast

Heather is the Recreational Riding Manager at the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). A Journalism graduate from Ohio University, Heather is a bit of a communications and marketing specialist, having worked as an associate editor for the AMA along with working at the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). She's ridden dirt bikes since childhood as her family has owned a dealership for the better part of 40 years. We talk about dirt bikes, street bikes, rallies, AMA workshops, and pretty much anything else that comes up. You can find Heather at any of the links below: heathernwilson.com @HeatherNWilson_ on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heathernwilson_/ https://americanmotorcyclist.com/ As always e-mail questions or show comments to MotoADVR@Gmail.com

Bjorn Bredeson is the man behind the marketing department at REVER Moto. We talk about his passion for all things outdoors, including moto, BMX, and mountain biking, life in Eagle, Colorado, and of course a lot of about REVER. For those unfamiliar, REVER is a navigation and social app for motorcyclists. See more at: https://www.rever.co/ @revermoto & @BjornBredeson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/revermoto/ https://www.instagram.com/bjornbredeson/ https://www.facebook.com/REVERmoto/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuAEmNW6S3A

Dave Kuck is a former Ohio native that has since moved out west to Idaho. Dave is the brand manager with Uclear Digital. Uclear makes Bluetooth communicators for the Powersports industry, among other things. Dave and I talk about his roots in motorcycling, his transition to Idaho, how he likes to ride, and how selling Powersports goods is way more fun than selling insurance. https://www.ucleardigital.com/ https://www.instagram.com/uclearnorthamerica/

Tyler Gantt is the founder and general manager of Triumph of Harrisonburg. Tyler grew up in Virginia riding dirt bikes and ultimately raced motocross as an amateur and professional racer. Shortly after retirement, he opened a Triumph dealership with his family. We talk about life as a young racer, how racing affects the way you see the world, adventure riding, and of course, Triumph motorcycles. Follow Tyler on Instagram @Triumph_of_Harrisonburg and @MX818 https://www.instagram.com/triumph_of_harrisonburg/ https://www.instagram.com/mx818/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwAfteTe7C-7qDCTrjy2PQ https://www.triumphofharrisonburg.com/ Music: A Dusty Road - Dan Lebowitz Send comments to MotoADVR@gmail.com

Amelia is a founding member of the Rev'It women's adventure team. She's also an avid dirt bike rider, enduro racer, and all-around motorcycle enthusiast. We talk about how she got into racing, nearly by accident, the challenges of riding from the female perspective, dabble in some discussion about the industry, and maybe some news about a new motorcycle. Find Millie at @MillieOnTheMove on Instagram Sandblast Rally "giggle" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ja3R49RL8s https://www.revitsport.com/ https://www.overandoutmoto.com/ First NE24: https://youtu.be/SvZ_rNvsAn8?t=352 Ernie Vigil - Scramble ME: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOLVx_2SFAE Music: A Dusty Road - Dan Lebowitz Send comments to MotoADVR@gmail.com

Shahin Alvandi, the "Shah of Brap", is the cohost and podcast personality from the popular Brap Talk Podcast (with Jensen Beeler). Shahin spent almost two decades working in the motorcycle industry. A died in the wool Ducastista, foodie, and avid adventure rider, Shahin and I discuss the nuts and bolts of the motorcycle industry, west coast adventure riding, what to pack on the trail, and endless rabbit holes in between. Follow Shahin on Inargram @BrapTalk & @MotoBraaping https://www.instagram.com/braptalk/ https://www.instagram.com/motobraaping/ Brap Talk Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/braptalk ~2:07:00 correction: IMS Show in Cleveland, not Columbus Send comments to MotoADVR@gmail.com

Chris Cope is the personality behind The Motorcycle Obsession. Born in Texas, Chris has taken a strange journey across the globe, landing in Wales (UK), and still publishing love letters about his "fire-driven dandy horse". Chris and I discuss how he got into motorcycles, his time as the Managing Editor at Ride Apart, and his humorous journey from Texas to Wales. Find Chris Cope at: https://themotorcycleobsession.com/ @MotoTOMO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mototmo/ The Motorcycle Obsession on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkK3fdM3GOO1JlrZKQr6hdw Send comments to MotoADVR@gmail.com

Jenna West is an adventure-travel blogger, member of the REV'IT Women's Adventure Team, and motorcycle enthusiast. A southeast Indiana native, Jenna has spent significant time road-tripping out west, including parts of Canada. We talk about how her passion for motorcycles started, what her plans are for the future, her flavor of motorcycles and her taste in riding. Follow Jenna @jensmotoadventures on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jensmotoadventures/ Follow Jenna's Blog at: https://jensmotoadventures.com/ Send comments to MotoADVR@gmail.com

Jeff Stoess is the creator of the Kentucky Adventure Tour (KAT). The KAT is a 900+ mile Dual-Sport backcountry route through eastern Kentucky, including small parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. I sat down with Jeff to talk about why he created the KAT, all the nitty-gritty details of riding the KAT, and a little bit about how he got into riding in the first place. More info on the KAT: http://annessky.net/kat/ https://advrider.com/f/threads/the-kentucky-adventure-tour-kat.919224/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/KentuckyAdventureTour/ Send comments to MotoADVR@gmail.com

After moonlighting as a Moto Blogger for a few years, I wanted to sit down with folks in the motorcycle, outdoor, and adventure community and get to know them as people; talk about riding, their tastes, where they come from. Ultimately I want to host long-format discussions about people's passions; where we can get their expertise and hear their unfiltered opinions. Send comments to MotoADVR@gmail.com