August 2025 - Bill Pond

Fast Facts

• Started young and influenced by brother
• Back to riding after a 6-week recovery from a crash
• “Friends don't let friends ride without their 'Stiches”
• Instagram page

Hometown/State?
Red Wing, MN

First motorcycle?

1975 Suzuki TS 250 (was my brother's but he let me ride it.)

Current motorcycle(s)?
Triumph Tiger 800XC; Triumph Speed Twin, Kawasaki KLR 650 (dubbed the Zombie Bike. It's the bike I'd ride if the End of the World was approaching; no worries about parts; KLRs seem to run forever.)

All-time favorite motorcycle?
My Tiger 800XC. Best all arounder for my needs.

How long have you been riding?
35+ years.

Why did you first start to ride?
Learned to "sorta" ride at 13, with my brother, Walt. When my brother brought home his Suzuki TS 250. He bought it used from his college roommate who moved up to a Honda CB900F. The wheels started turning in my adolescent pea-brain.

What makes you most excited about motorcycling?
Riding is the focus, but time spent with good friends is crucial for feeling happy.

How did you first learn about Aerostich?
My good friend Mark Hoffman of Milwaukee. Years ago, we'd meet up for fall rides on Mondays. He showed up with a new Roadcrafter. I was shamed looking like the Sta-Puff Marshmallow Man with layers underneath my very battered insulated coveralls. (yes, I have moved up since then.)

Favorite Aerostich gear?
Roadcrafter one-piece suit. And, combat touring boots. Both go everywhere with me.

Who or what was your biggest influence in motorcycling?

My brother Walt. And, probably my grandfather. The story is he ran away from home in his late teens, acquired a motorcycle (what brand was never revealed in the story), and rode from Richmond, Virginia to Los Angeles.

How did your Aerostich Roadcrafter end up on the crasher wall?
So, we were on our way to the bingo parlor at the YMCA, and, well, you know, one thing led to another... My first big crash in my 35 years of riding. The gravel gremlins got the best of my bike. Kaabaam; five broken ribs and a punctured lung later....After six weeks on down time, I am back at it.

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?

Don't wait for a good ride. And, if there is a problem, look for the simple fix first.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of motorcycling?

Guitars. No talent, tho. Good bourbon and coffee.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
Friends don't let friends ride without their 'Stiches

YAY OR NAY?

• Backroads? Yah
• Freeways? Nope, but only if necessary.
• Gravel Roads? Depends on my mood.
• Roadside Motel? yah
• Camping? Yah, but not as much.
• Helmet Audio System? Nay. Sometimes it is OK to sing to yourself. With the helmet on, no one can complain.
  

	"LaCrosse, Wis. in front of the world's largest six pack."
"...[R]ide around Lake Superior about three years back. As you see, we are all properly attired."
"There is a Roadcrafter displayed on the Isle of Man. I went to the races in 2024, and low and behold, I found it attached to the wall as part of a motorcycle display at the  Bungalow. It's an area known for its vantage point of watching the races and there is a tavern there."