Fast Facts
- I have ridden over 1/2 million kms
- I held a land speed record out of Loring Maine for two years
- Enjoy all aspects of motorcycling
Hometown/State?
Trenton, Nova Scotia Canada
First motorcycle?
First motorcycle was a 1975 Honda XL-70.
First Street legal bike was a 1981 Hondamatic 400
Current motorcycle(s)?
1968 Honda C-50 Step-thru
1976 Honda 400 FOUR SuperSport
2003 Yamaha FJR 1300
2018 Yamaha FJR 1300es
2010 Ural Gear Up
All-time favorite motorcycle?
That’s a tough one, but I must say the Yamaha FJR-1300. I have over 400,000 kms on them.
How long have you been riding?
Since 1978
Why did you first start to ride?
My father had motorcycles, and the bug hit me at a very early age. I always rode dirt bikes as a kid, and it just seemed like the next logical step. I really had no want or need to even consider getting my car license. (Until the first winter)
What makes you most excited about motorcycling?
I am definitely a thrill seeker and adrenaline junky. I also love the fact that I have to continually work to improve my riding skills. Being able to travel across this beautiful country of ours on a motorcycle is a fantastic feeling. Riding a motorcycle is a great stress reliever.
How did you first learn about Aerostich?
Early in my motorcycle career, I bought pretty much every motorcycle magazine I could get my hands on. I believe that it was Cycle World or Motorcyclist that I saw a black & white ad.
Favorite Aerostich gear?
I have a number of pieces of Aerostich Gear but my favorites are my 1 piece R3 and Kanetsu Windstopper Electric Liner.
Who or what was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
I have several but first my father because that’s how it all started. Then as my long distance riding progressed I had great respect for the riding abilities of Peter Hogeveen and the late John Ryan.
Where are your favorite places to ride?
We have great riding in this part of the country. Plenty of back roads and generally light traffic. The world famous Cabot Trail has to be one of my local favorites. It’s a nice day ride for us. I also really enjoy riding in the mountains of Hew Hampshire & Vermont but it’s been a few years since I had ridden there.
Describe a memorable motorcycle adventure.
Hands down, my favorite motorcycle trip took place in 2019. With two friends I rode from Nova Scotia, Canada to Alaska. We left in late May and returned the end of June. 22,000 kms in 5 weeks. Coming from the east coast, I was able to see our Great Lakes, Prairies and the Rockies. Working our way north we then experienced Whitehorse and many parts of Alaska. An epic trip.
What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
I had the privilege to instruct at the Canada Safety Council as a motorcycle instructor for 19 years. I also attended several advanced riding and race schools over the years to keep honing my skills. The number one thing to remember is to “look where you want to go”.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of motorcycling?
My wife & I enjoy hiking and sea kayaking.
Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
Several years ago, I had a very spectacular get-off. The motorcycle was severely damaged, but my original Roadcrafter left me completely unscathed. I then sent the damaged suit back to Duluth for repairs. They pretty much replaced the left arm and left leg of the suit from the knee down. I still have this suit today as a backup.
Any other thoughts?
A message to all riders – ATGATT All The Gear All The Time
Yay or Nay?
- Backroads? Yay
- Freeways? Yay (when required)
- Gravel Roads? Yay (if necessary)
- Roadside Motel? Yay
- Camping? Yay
- Helmet Audio System? Yay
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Mike, happy to meet up. If time allows, I could show you a few good routes.
Enjoyed reading about you. ATGATT saved me from serious injuries last year. Quality gear allowed me to walk away with only bruises, MC totaled.
Love the Cabot Trail. In 2016 I was stopping at an overlook near Cape Smoky on the Cabot, my MC fell over and broke my leg. 7 years to the day, after riding the Trans Labrador & touring Newfoundland, I met up with George, lives near Cape Smoky, he helped me so much while in the hospital (great care) in 2016. I flew home to Dallas. George took care of my MC until MedJet shipped it home. We rode the Cabot as a reunion that day in 2023 as a celebration of our friendship formed in 2016.
I have ridden all over north America with Scott. We’ve been riding together since 2007 . He is a great promotor of the motorcycle life. AGATT always. He’s the reason I own an AeroStitch. Oh… that’s my FJR beside him at the factory showroom.
Pleased to read your story and have to add that rode the “Cabot” last September with two buddies. Great riding over your way and I was able to check off an item on my bucket list.
Keep it safe!
Scott: Great to hear of your adventures. My son and I are headed up to the Maritimes in July/August. It would be fun to meet up with you for dinner one evening.
Ride safe!
Mike
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