Fast Facts About Cory:
- Been riding for 40 years
- First bike was a minibike
- Wears a Roadcrafter two piece suit
- Current motorcycles are Yamaha FJR1300 and a KLR650
How long have you been riding?
I’ve been riding for 40 years, but only the last 24 have been on a consistent basis.
Who or what was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
Can it be genetic? I’ve had an interest in cars and motorcycles since I was a toddler. One of my most vivid memories of my biological father was riding on the gas tank and holding on to the handlebars of his motorcycle when I was maybe 5 years old or so. I didn’t have a very regular relationship with him, but he always kept in-touch with my mom and sent me gifts for birthdays and such. Two of those were Revell or Monogram models of Roger DeCoster’s Suzuki and Malcom Smith’s Husqvarna when I was about 8 or 9 and I started following them in the cycle rags of the time. I didn’t grow-up around a lot of people who rode, so it has always just been a passion within myself.
First motorcycle?
Like many, a minibike. I did a short stint on a KZ400 in the mid-80’s then didn’t ride for about a decade. My first serious motorcycling began on a Honda VTR1000 in the late 1990’s.
Current motorcycle?
Yamaha FJR1300 and a KLR650
Favorite Aerostich gear?
My Aerostich belt. It packs easily and wears well with shorts or jeans. But seriously, the 2-piece Roadcrafter Classic in the photos. It was a real game-changer in my long-distance riding endeavors. I was wasting a lot of time on the clock stopping to take rain gear on and off. My Roadcrafter has been with me through triple digit temps in Death Valley to snowstorms in Colorado. My Aerostich suit allows me to keep on riding as the weather constantly changes over 1,000+ miles a day.
Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
Which pocket did I put my wallet in this time?
What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
As mentioned, I didn’t grow-up around any riders to give me advice, so I had to learn everything with personal experience. I think the advice I give the most often to others though, is to start on a smaller bike, take every riding course you can, and read every book on motorcycle skills you find. Being my first frequently ridden bike was a liter bike, my learning curve was vertical. I wish I’d started on a smaller, lower horsepower bike as I would have built skills and confidence much quicker.
Why do you ride?
Oh wow, where does someone begin with a question like this. There are a number of reasons and the ones that come to mind first are:
- It’s adventure. Motorcycling writes the best stories.
- Nothing attracts conversation like a motorcycle, and I’ve met some wonderful people on my journeys.
- It’s challenging. The road, the terrain, the weather… It’s ever changing and constantly offers different challenges.
- You are part of the environment you are riding through, not isolated from it.
- Being alone, but never lonely.
Any other thoughts?
Long distance endurance riding has taught me to always buy the best gear you can afford. Price is forgotten long after the quality is remembered. My Aerostich suit is part of that philosophy.
Learn more about Cory by following him on Instagram and Facebook.
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