Meet Mike, our Rider of the Month!
Mike has lived in the Ozarks for over 50 years and started riding 40 years ago on a Honda dirt bike from the 70’s. Four years ago he decided to share his love and passion for motorcycles and riding in the beautiful Ozarks on YouTube and social media. You can find him under “Riding in the Ozarks” on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
What motorcycle are you riding?
Currently I ride a 2016 Harley Davidson Street Glide that I have had since it was new or a 2000 Harley Davidson Super Glide Sport I recently acquired that I plan to do some upgrades to this winter.
How did you get into riding it?
My dad bought me my first dirt bike when I was about 12. When I turned 14 he got a motocross bike. When I was 21 years old he helped me get a Honda Shadow and I started riding street bikes. I bought my first Harley at the Age of 30 after going to Sturgis with my dad in 2000.
What motorcycle trends do you anticipate in the next year or so?
The last few years there has been a trend toward performance baggers here in the US but I think smaller displacement bikes (under 1000cc) that are more affordable are going to grow in Market share due to the economic conditions.
How are you protecting yourself when riding?
This last year I have been wearing a Scorpion Exo Modular Helmet a lot more frequently. Riding Boots or Riding Shoes designed specifically for Motorcycling. Single layer Kevlar jeans in the summer and Dual Layer in the winter. Most recently I replaced my previous Kevlar Riding Flannel with one from Beyond Riders.
Are you part of a local rider community?
I have been a member of the motorcycle rights organization in my state for 9 years and actively ride with many people from that organization. I would encourage everyone to learn more about the MRO in their area if they are looking for a motorcycle community to be a part of.
What would you tell a new rider ahead of his first ride?
Ride your own Ride! That means don’t ride outside of your comfort zone, don’t push yourself beyond your skills to keep up with others.
What's your preferred area for riding and why?
The Ozarks! I took for granted how good motorcycle riding is here till I started traveling and riding in other parts of the country. We have a lot of elevation changes and sweeping turns if you get off the interstate and experience the back roads in this part of the county. One minute you could be riding through the Mark Twain National Forest and the next pop out on a ridge top where you can see across a river valley for miles.
What's your favorite day of the week for riding?
Saturday because who doesn’t want to go ride after working all week, unless you're retired and every day is Saturday then.
How have you first heard about Beyond Riders?
I was introduced to the brand by Sandy who talked about the products on his YouTube Channel Holy shiFt
What do you like most about our products?
The attention to details, like pockets that will hold a cell phone, zipper pulls, and eyeglass cleaning cloth integrated into the design. These small things add up to make your product standout over the competition.
What products or features would you like us to offer next?
Single Layer Kevlar Riding Jeans, when I bought the ones I have now there was really only one affordable option that were designed for relaxed fit. I would love to see a Single layer design from you guys that were designed for dad bods and not Skinny Jeans.
Currently I ride a 2016 Harley Davidson Street Glide that I have had since it was new or a 2000 Harley Davidson Super Glide Sport I recently acquired that I plan to do some upgrades to this winter.
How did you get into riding it?
My dad bought me my first dirt bike when I was about 12. When I turned 14 he got a motocross bike. When I was 21 years old he helped me get a Honda Shadow and I started riding street bikes. I bought my first Harley at the Age of 30 after going to Sturgis with my dad in 2000.
What motorcycle trends do you anticipate in the next year or so?
The last few years there has been a trend toward performance baggers here in the US but I think smaller displacement bikes (under 1000cc) that are more affordable are going to grow in Market share due to the economic conditions.
How are you protecting yourself when riding?
This last year I have been wearing a Scorpion Exo Modular Helmet a lot more frequently. Riding Boots or Riding Shoes designed specifically for Motorcycling. Single layer Kevlar jeans in the summer and Dual Layer in the winter. Most recently I replaced my previous Kevlar Riding Flannel with one from Beyond Riders.
Are you part of a local rider community?
I have been a member of the motorcycle rights organization in my state for 9 years and actively ride with many people from that organization. I would encourage everyone to learn more about the MRO in their area if they are looking for a motorcycle community to be a part of.
What would you tell a new rider ahead of his first ride?
Ride your own Ride! That means don’t ride outside of your comfort zone, don’t push yourself beyond your skills to keep up with others.
What's your preferred area for riding and why?
The Ozarks! I took for granted how good motorcycle riding is here till I started traveling and riding in other parts of the country. We have a lot of elevation changes and sweeping turns if you get off the interstate and experience the back roads in this part of the county. One minute you could be riding through the Mark Twain National Forest and the next pop out on a ridge top where you can see across a river valley for miles.
What's your favorite day of the week for riding?
Saturday because who doesn’t want to go ride after working all week, unless you're retired and every day is Saturday then.
How have you first heard about Beyond Riders?
I was introduced to the brand by Sandy who talked about the products on his YouTube Channel Holy shiFt
What do you like most about our products?
The attention to details, like pockets that will hold a cell phone, zipper pulls, and eyeglass cleaning cloth integrated into the design. These small things add up to make your product standout over the competition.
What products or features would you like us to offer next?
Single Layer Kevlar Riding Jeans, when I bought the ones I have now there was really only one affordable option that were designed for relaxed fit. I would love to see a Single layer design from you guys that were designed for dad bods and not Skinny Jeans.
Thanks Mike for answering these questions!