Featured Month: February 2023

Name: Chris Morrison

As riders, we know the inherent risks associated with riding a motorcycle. One of the most dangerous is drivers turning left in front of you. In 2020 there were 2,741 fatal crashes involving a motorcycle vs. an automobile. In 42 percent (1,158) of those crashes the other vehicle was turning left.

We've all had that feeling approaching an intersection ahead, you notice an opposite-facing vehicle with its left turn indicator on and wonder if the driver can see you. What if they don’t? Would you have enough time to react?

[Mr. Subjective posted various techniques one should practice to help mitigate the risks on the blog.]

Unfortunately, this exact scenario played out for me last year.

I was riding home at about 4PM (96 DR 350) and had the green light at an uncontrolled intersection. I saw a car in the left turn lane, so I positioned myself as far right as I entered. About halfway through the intersection, the unthinkable happened. The driver turned directly into me. There was nowhere to go and absolutely nothing I could have done. It was a direct hit, center cut, a Bullseye!!!

My left side took the brunt of the impact, and I was ejected over the car approximately 20 feet onto the right shoulder. The pain was immediate and so severe I passed out. Both my bike and the other driver’s car were totaled.

I sustained a broken left hip, femur, ankle, foot, right wrist and right ring finger. The heel pad on my left foot was torn from just below the Achilles tendon down to mid arch.

I spent six weeks in the hospital, had three surgeries on my leg, and titanium rods holding it all together. I was in a wheelchair for 4 months and used a walker for 3 more after that. Once able to walk I started physical therapy 3 times per week and will continue until the end of this month. It’s taken months of hard work and a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, therapists, family, and friends to help get me back on my feet. My leg strength is such now that I no longer limp and am completely pain-free. My medical bills totaled well over 250k.

Reflecting back on that day I realize how lucky I was. I easily could have lost my leg, or worse, my life. As it happened the driver behind me had a dash cam and captured the entire incident. I plan to continue riding but mostly on the dirt (BLM trails all around). Be Careful out there!!

When did you first get back on your bike?
Once my leg/foot was strong enough to hold the bike upright.

How did you overcome any fear that you may have had?
By reminding myself I’ve been riding for 25 years and this is the only accident I’ve had on the street. I’m not going to lie though, I get a bit more tense when going through intersections.

Are you riding any differently now?
Yes, I’m going to spend the majority of my time riding dirt/fire trails now.

What precautions do you advise others to take while riding a motorcycle?
Always stay vigilant. Don’t ride scared and trust your instincts. AGATT. Keep your insurance premiums up to date. Add uninsured motorists to your policy. The person that hit me had the minimum required 25k. I would have been #$#% without it.

How long have you been riding?
35 years

Why did you first start riding/what was the draw?
California sunshine almost year-round and moto-friendly traffic laws. In California lane sharing/splitting is completely legal and motorcycles get unrestricted access in the HOV lane. My work commute (car) went from 90 minutes (each way) down to 30-40 minutes. That is roughly 10 hours per week not spent sitting in traffic. It feels like cheating :)

What was your first bike?
1985 Ninja 500

What is your current bike?
2016 GSXS 1000F, DR 350 (totaled)

What do you do for work?
Systems Engineer - Mobile Security

How did you first learn about Aerostich?
B.A.R.F (Bay Area Riders Forum)

Why do you like motorcycling?
Transportation/utility/commuting/dirt/sand/track...I like everything about motorcycles.

What is your favorite piece of Areostich gear?
Was my R3 (EMT’s cut it off - view pic) and the innershell ultralight.

Follow Chris on Instagram.

Featured Month: January 2023

Name: Chase Eckert

How long have you been riding?
First bike was about 20 years ago; I have been riding on road approximately 15 years.

You've traveled extensively, tell us more.
I work in Alaska and I always try to find creative ways to get there each summer and return. The motorcycle has been a spectacular way to explore Alaska, Canada and the western U.S.

Alternately I’ve ridden around Baja and most recently spent a week in Belize. I also had the opportunity to live on my own sailboat (a 38’ Beneteau called “Esprit”) and sail the Caribbean and Gulf Coast for about three years.

What do you do for work?
I am a specialty equipment inspector; specifically amusement rides and theme parks. I am also a freelance powersports writer.

What was your first bike?
Honda CRF 150.

What is your current bike?
I have three, a 23 KTM 690, 08 KTM 990 Adventure and an 07 KTM XC 300.

Why do you like motorcycling?
It is the most immersive way to experience an area. People approach a single rider and invite them into their lives. Instead of seeing locals as characters in your story, you have the opportunity to experience the world as they see it from ground level.

You recently started a YouTube channel. Tell us more.
I was doing fun stuff and I enjoy telling stories. If I even get to share them with friends and family that would be enough. I’m not great at videos but if I keep doing it, I will get better.

How did you first learn about Aerostich?
In Alaska being dry and warm is the name of the game. Watching riders from all over the world on their way to the Arctic I noticed that some seemed happier than others. Those motorcyclists were wearing Aerostich.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
Next to my copy of “Aerostich Lightweight Unsupported Motorcycle Travel for Terminal Cases” the Darien Jacket is my favorite item I’ve gotten from Aerostich. I can personally attest to the fact it can stop your motorcycle cold by jamming in between the tire and swing arm and not suffer even a scratch.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
5k miles in Alaska during one of the wettest summers on record; my Darien Suit kept me dry.

Anything else you would like to share with our audience?
Your Aerostich gear will outlast your bike, your back, and all fashion trends. Quality you cannot deny. Buy once, buy American.

Follow more of Chase's adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

Featured Month: December 2022

Name: Eric Mintalar

About Eric
I’m 62 years young. Married to my lovely wife for 33 years, she rides two-up with me on our long moto rides and I can’t say enough great things about a woman that rode with me 524 miles, ten hours straight on the Devils Highway Loop, Phoenix and back on (US-666) and didn’t complain for a moment…until she got off the bike, couldn’t walk and I had to carry her up the stairs. When I’m not on my bike or daydreaming about being on my bike, I’m a practicing dentist for 34 years and counting.

How long have you been riding?
I started riding in 1985 when I was in college but took a break for a number of years when our kids were younger. I started riding again in 2009 and I’ve been riding with a smile on my face ever since. Side note, my wife was totally against me riding. After I purchased a bike in ’09, I spent a week sleeping on my couch, getting the stink eye, and oh man, if looks could kill, there’d be yellow crime tape with a chalk outline of my body in the garage next to my bike. It was all worth it and that’s a true story.

First motorcycle?
It was a 1976 Schwinn Krate bike with ape handlebars and a dope banana bucket seat. Then I started adulting and rode my first motorcycle, it was a 1985 Honda VF 500 Interceptor.

Current motorcycle?
I have three motorcycles, a little excessive, my wife says, but I think it’s perfect for the variety of riding we enjoy. For touring with my wife two-up across the USA, I ride a 2016 BMW 1200rt. Riding solo for long stretches I ride an adventure bike, a 2022 BMW 1250 GSA. And for the daily commute to work; a 2018 BMW r9t Urban GS.

What makes you most excited about motorcycling?
Truth be told, it’s the adventures and amazing places you see when riding. I love riding with my wife and with friends that are passionate about motorcycles and enjoy the open road. The more miles, the bigger the smiles!

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
Well, I wish I could say I thought of this, but it was something I read and truly enjoyed.

"The best life advice I could ever give you:
- buy a motorcycle
- find a bunch of friends with motorcycles to hang out with
- Die Happy"

Two out of three is good for me, I'll 'Die Happy' later.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
The Hi-Viz leather Transit jacket and black Transit leather pants. My wife loved my Hi-Viz Transit jacket so much, she wanted one for herself even though they were mens sizes, she got the smallest one Aerostich made, and it was perfect for her. She rides in the AD-1 pants and loves the versatility of Gortex in any weather. When I brought it home and wore the Transit jacket and pants, my 28-year-old son took an IG photo of me posted it on his IG and captioned it “My bad-ass dad.” That made me smile and laugh out loud.

Aerostich-related story?
I wore my Hi-Viz leather Transit jacket to work this summer in the morning, a friend was driving in the opposite direction on the freeway and passed by me. He texted me later that morning, "Hey, I saw this dude riding his bike with a yellow jacket and it looked dope, what do you think it was, a Klim or what?" I texted back, "Dude, that was an Aerostich jacket and that was me lol."

I’ve not seen a Hi-Viz Transit jacket like mine yet, and now I know no one can ever tell me "Hey, I didn’t see ya coming."

What is the best motorcycle trip you've taken?
This was an epic ride we took earlier this year, my wife and I riding two-up, with my best riding buddy. We started from Phoenix, rode to Joshua Tree, then Angeles National Forest. Stopped in Los Angeles to check out Bike Shed Moto, picked up Pacific Coast Highway, or the One in Santa Monica up the California coast, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea. Stayed a night in San Francisco, the next day rode across the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Mt. Tamalpais, Stinson Beach and up to Bodega Bay then through Napa Valley and on to Lake Tahoe. The ride on the America’s Loneliest Road (HWY 50) was the following day, it was a crazy decision and that's a one and done. The next couple of days we rode to Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Needles Highway, the Black Hills, and home.

3,500 miles, eight days, eight national and state parks. We rode unbelievable twisties and passed through incredible scenery on roads that were only dreamed, but now experienced in all its breathtaking beauty.

What is the best part about traveling as a couple?
My wife, Marilou, and I have shared so many motorcycle adventures together, we’ve ridden over 12,000 miles in three summers. We‘ve toured through national parks, state parks, the awesome beauty of America that we’ve never seen before on two wheels. It’s a priceless journey we’ve accomplished together and to share the stories and memories of our trips is better when we both can tell the story.

What is the most difficult part about traveling as a couple?
There are a few challenges, but one that comes to mind is this; as a rider, I have to be aware my partner has to get off the bike no more than 100 miles and stretch, hydrate, and just get a break from the monotony of endless paved roads. I can ride solo further and much longer, but to make a long ride a safe and a positive experience for both of us, you gotta make sure your passenger is enjoying the ride and not miserable sitting behind you.

What is your favorite lunch food on a motorcycle trip?
Anything that’s quick and light to eat. Marilou likes a healthy salad; I’m looking for a BLT with potato chips. It truly sucks when you eat a heavy lunch and 60 miles later in the middle of nowhere, you’re looking for anything remotely looking like sage brush to run behind and drop a deuce. It’s brutal and yet we’ve ALL experienced it at some point in riding.

Anything else you would like to share with our audience?
Aerostich is a unique product. If you visited the Aerostich location in Duluth and toured the building, you will walk out with an Aerostich suit or Aerostich gear. Aerostich is simply that good and the individuals working there genuinely believe in their brand and product, it doesn’t get any better than that.

Featured Month: November 2022

Name: Rex Thompson

How long have you been riding?
14 years. I started in 2008.

Who or what was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
My dad bought a 45-inch Harley Davidson when he returned from WWII. He followed the wheat harvest from Kansas to California and the east through Canada. His stories inspired me to get my own motorcycle when I was able.

Above: Photo of Rex's father (1940s).

First motorcycle?
1980 Honda CM400T.

Current motorcycle?
2006 Honda ST1300.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
My Hi-Viz R-3.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
I pulled up next to a guy on a chopper in Phoenix on a very hot day, like 104 degrees hot. We both looked at each other at a stop light. He was dressed in shorts, flip-flops, and a tank top. Both of us said, at the same time, "How can you stand to ride like that?" Much laughter!

Tell us about traveling around the country and doing face painting.
We are on the road for about seven months a year doing fairs, festivals and special events, mostly in the Pacific Northwest but we start our season here in Arizona.

I love to see new places and it’s great to see customers return. We have some customers that bring their children to have their faces painted that we painted when they were children.

When you travel do you find places you want to go back to via motorcycle?
ALL the TIME!! A couple of years ago we were in southern Washington and a friend told us about the Mt. St. Helens visitor center. The following year we were able to ride up the mountain and visit. Wow what a great ride! Beautiful road, beautiful views and a great little restaurant on the way back down.

Does your wife ride?
Yes, Carrie took the MSF class as a surprise to me while I was away on a trip. She rides a Honda CTX700 with the DCT transmission. Normally that is the bike that goes with us on tour because it fits nicely in the face painting trailer. She was fitted for her Roadcrafter two piece at the same pop-up I was up in Oregon.

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
Ride until something hurts... figure out how to fix that. Then ride until something else hurts, fix it. Pretty soon you're comfortable for a 22-hour ride! Also...The bike goes where the eyes go.

Featured Month: September 2022

Name: Richard McCormick

This month’s rider-of-the-month works in product development at Harley Davidson. We wanted to know more, and he very generously agreed to tell us a little about his motorcycle life.

Working at Harley HQ would be a dream job for many riders. How did you end up working there?
They were looking for a rider with off road experience for the Development of the PAN-AM.

What’s your favorite part about working there?
Great job, Great co-workers.

What’s your favorite Harley model?
The Pan-Am 1250.

How did you learn about Aerostich suits?
Always looking for good gear. My first BMW RT was 1995, the Roadcrafter suit was the best gear I found for that bike.

Do you know others at Harley who are also Aerostich customers?
There are a few test riders that are Aerostich customers.

Tell us about your commute.
I ride to work every day (rain or shine) 185 miles round trip. Work based in AZ. At the APG: I ride year-round at work and to work 5 days a week.

Do you also ride for recreation and/or vacations?
Yes, I ride and race anytime I can, Vintage motocross, Off road on my 2020 R1250 GSA hp and my 2014 KTM1190 R, some highway road trips.

Have you ridden anywhere outside of the US? Where?
Mexico, Raced the Baja 500 on my 1998 KTM 620 sx.

Did you ever race motorcycles?
Started racing at 9 years old motocross and desert in SO-Cal. Raced AMA Supermoto, Don Connett’s STTARS in CA. Still race when I can.

Did you come to motorcycling via bicycling as a teenager or start riding later in life?
Had a Taco 22 minibike at 3 years old. Rode bicycle then and still to this day.

Anyone else in your family ride?
My Father was a Desert racer. My Daughter rides too.

First motorcycle?
1968 Hodaka ACE 90.

Current motorcycle?
I have a long list. 1958 Matchless 250, 1972 BSA B 50 MX, 1972 CZ 400, 1995 KR 600, 1998 KTM 620, 1971 HONDA CB 350, 2014 KTM 1190R, 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14, 2020 BMW R1250 HP.

Featured Month: August 2022

Name: Greg Rice

How long have you been riding?
45 years

First motorcycle?
1974 Honda 500 Four

Current motorcycle?
2019 BMW GSA

How many miles have you ridden?
810,000 happy miles!

How many IBR events have you completed?
I have ridden in 5 IBR’s and been selected for 7 IBR’s.

What is one piece of advice you would give to other long-distance riders?
Always keep alert and never let your guard down.

What Aerostich gear do you wear for long distance riding? Darien Jacket and AD1 pants.
What was your most difficult ride? Riding to the Panama Canal, it was very challenging!

What's your favorite road?
It is funny but I really like riding on I-10 west of San Antonio.

Have you ever had a sudden flat tire at high speed?
Yes, in Guatemala and wow. Fortunately, I have TPMS, and it alerted me right away.

You've ridden a lot of places! Where do you want to go next?
After riding to the Panama Canal this year, I want to ride to South America next year.

Tell us about being a long-distance rider.
I first started riding motorcycles back in the 1970s as a cheap mode of transportation and my father was a Shriner and road Harley Davidsons in the Shriner parades. It always felt so good as a kid when I got to ride on the back with my father.

Being in the military back in the 1970’s meant that I did not have much money, so a motorcycle was a great way to get from Point A to Point B cheaply. This is when the long-distance riding bug bit me and it’s never gone away.

When I first started riding, I could not really afford hotels and that meant I had to ride straight through to my destinations, sleeping on the side of the road or in rest areas along the way. I made many trips from Great Lakes Naval Base, Illinois to Miami, Bike Week, Americade Rally in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and the Grand Canyon.

I was riding a Kawasaki KZ650 then with a National Cycle windshield, a duffle bag and sleeping bag strapped to the sissybar and a small pup tent attached to the front forks. The necessity of not stopping over the years started to grow on me and before you knew it, I really did not want to stop anymore. I really liked pushing the limits of how far I good ride before I needed to stop for rest.

I get so excited before a big ride and start my planning many weeks if not months in advance. I often spend many hours on the computer looking at mapping programs reviewing and finalizing the best route. For me the preparation is part of the fun of long-distance riding regardless if it’s undertaking an IBA ride or competing in a rally.

I have really taken to riding BBGs (1500+ miles in less than 24 hours) and have finished over 72 of them and probably ridden another 20 or more that were not documented. I have certified a BBG3000, three BBG Trifecta’s and a BBG Quattro Gold (four BBG’s back-to-back to back-to-back). One of the reasons I like riding BBG’s is that is a long ride that allows me to get that feeling I get when I am riding.

There are a couple great things about long distance riding that I really love, the solitude of riding mile after mile for long distances, day after day, and the people you share the road with and meet when you get there. The long-distance community is a group of great people.

For me hitting the road on my motorcycle means good times!

Tell us about your website:
I started my website over 15 years ago and I have had over 1 million visitors in that time. I have a lot of information on how I do different things for my motorcycles. I also have some good ride reports on my website. It is meant to be an educational website for others to learn.

Other thoughts?
I really like to help others break into motorcycle riding and especially long-distance riding! I get a lot of emails, phone calls and Facebook messages asking many types of questions.

Connect with Greg on his website and on Facebook.

Featured Month: July 2022
(July is Women's Motorcycle Month!)

Name: Emily Roberts

How long have you been riding?
I started riding when I was 6, I was lucky enough to have parents encourage me to enjoy the sport.

First motorcycle?
1979 Yamaha GT 80

Current motorcycle?
KTM 790 ADV R
Beta 300 RR
Suzuki SFV 650

Who taught you how to ride?
My dad taught me how to ride for the first time, we quickly decided it would be better for someone else to teach me other than a parent.

Was riding always a part of your family's life?
Ever since I can remember. I often say it’s lucky that I actually like motorcycles otherwise I’d be in the wrong family. My dad went as far as building me a wooden motorcycle to push me around on when I was first born.

How old were you when your parents started the magazine Motorcycle Mojo?
I was eight years old; I remember being dragged to bike shows and hanging out under the table while my parents worked the bike shows. 

When did you start writing?
I wrote my first article when I was 18, after I completed a 23,000km trip from Ontario to Alaska and back. I never took any formal education for writing. I believe it developed through the passion of motorcycles.

What is your favorite place to ride?
My favourite street ride is just south of my home in Revelstoke, BC, Canada. Just south towards Nelson, it is in my mind, the best riding roads in Canada. I often try to sneak away for an afternoon to go ride those roads.

How did you learn to maintain motorcycles?
My father was able to teach me a lot about motorcycles, although I’ve never had much confidence about diagnosing and working on machines. These past few years however, I’ve committed to taking apart my bikes and rebuilding them so I know every piece of the machine.

Have you ever been hurt by riding?
I have had many minor injuries while riding, but I did get injured badly while snow biking 7 years ago. Snow bikes are dirt bikes, adapted with skis and a track for winter riding. I had a really bad crash which broke my shoulder, damaged both legs and gave me a bad concussion.

Were you ever scared of getting on a bike? If yes, how did you overcome it?
There’s been few times when I’ve doubted myself with motorcycling. However, I have dealt with fear while riding after hitting my first deer 11 years ago. Since that day I’ve always been very nervous around animals and riding at night. However, sometimes fate has a different idea, last year while riding locally in my area I hit my second deer by bike. Both times I killed the deer, kept the bike up, and was able to walk away with little or no injury.

The biggest take away and reason why I’ve been able to overcome my fear is that assessing the situation and understanding what I’ve done right and what I could do better.

What was your longest or most difficult ride?
When I was 18 I decided to spend three months on the road from Ontario to Alaska  and back. I had run out of money by the time I had gotten to BC, so I had to work to be able to continue my way up and to Alaska.

Have you ever attended a women only motorcycle event or ride?
Yes, I actually hold an all ladies dirtbike event here in Revelstoke, BC every year.

How do you encourage other women to become riders?
The biggest thing I can say to any ladies who have doubt or concerns about their riding is that we’ve all started at the same point that you are at in your riding. We’ve all been beginners and we’ve all had huge struggles with our riding. We like to compare ourselves to others, but in the end we all have our own path with riding. Remember to enjoy yourself and find other women that help inspire you to be your best.

What is it like being a high-profile woman rider in a male dominated field?
(not sure I’ve ever heard myself be called high profile, lol I feel special)
It’s been great, throughout my career I’ve been able to have my voice heard within the industry for women riders. And have worked to be able to build up not only the women side of the industry but also the overall Canadian motorcycle industry.

I still get told at least once every ride “Isn’t that bike too big for you?” by a man. I politely respond, "they all feel the same once you’re rolling."

Any tips for women riders?
Ride your own ride, and don’t get caught up listening to others’ opinions of you or your bike. If you have questions about bikes or gear try to reach out to a knowledgeable female rider first, they’ve likely gone through the same struggles you have questions about.

Are there any other women specific grooming tips for women riders?
Always wear sunscreen, drink lots of water and always wear earplugs, it’s not fun being deaf. Also pack small and healthy snack to eat throughout your ride instead of heavy greasy food that will use energy to digest.

What other hobbies do you have?
I also love mountain biking and dirt biking in the summer. In the winter I spent my days snowmobiling and snowboarding. 

Favorite Aerostich gear?
That’s a tough one, I love all of my Aerostich gear, however, the R-3 one piece has quickly become my most used suit because of the comfort, versatility, and style of it overall.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
I’ve travelled all over North America and the world, anytime I see someone wearing Aerostich I know they are a rider I can get along with. I’ve slid out in gravel with my Aerostich gear and confidently rely on it to protect me.

Featured Month: June 2022

Name: Chad Rickenberg

How long have you been riding?
Since I unwisely purchased a 1986 Yamaha Fazer 700, thirty-two years ago. WAY too powerful for an inexperienced 15 year old. I loved every minute of riding it.

How many years have you been riding to work?
A solid decade, exclusively by bike. Before that, I commuted via motorcycle sporadically.

Why do you choose to ride to work?
Mental health. I found that, after battling city traffic daily in an automobile, I arrived home not in the best mood, typically irritable and fatigued. Switching to motorcycle commuting completely reversed that for me. I now get home energized and in a positive state of mind.

Where do you keep your gear at work?
I purchased some cubicle wall hooks and hang my Falstaff jacket and pants or Roadcrafter Lite on the cubicle wall. The helmet, gloves, and other accoutrements remain in the bike luggage (or sidecar).

How do you set up your gear at home for easy access?
I purchased an inexpensive particleboard wardrobe from a home improvement store, which sits in the garage, near the bikes. It's not quite large enough for my embarrassing amount of riding gear (and my wife's gear, to be fair), so there are helmets and gloves piled up on top, as well.

Tell us about your route. Does it vary on different days?
It depends upon which motorcycle I choose to ride. I don't take my Ural cT on the interstate, so on sidecar commuting days, I take a delightful winding country road to work. If it's the BMW K1200GT, then I take a slightly longer route that is mostly interstate highway. The commute times for either route are about the same, since the BMW takes advantage of highway speeds.

Was your bike chosen for the purpose of commuting? Tell us about it.
Well, I have six bikes at the moment, so I'll focus on the two I've been favoring lately. I was in the U.S. Navy, commuting back and forth to my ship on a 1994 Honda VFR750 to which I had added Givi luggage (and the old Aerostich Lane Share Tool [tip o' the hat to those that remember that delightful gadget]), when I decided that I wanted a roomier and more modern motorcycle, to be funded by an upcoming 9-month deployment. I had decided that a BMW R1200GS would do nicely. While I had always been aware of their existence, I never gave the Ural sidecar motorcycles much of a thought, but during my monotonous days at sea, I used my limited internet availability to learn more about them, to the point that I bought a new 2015 cT instead of the BMW adventure bike. The Ural opened up a whole new aspect to my riding. So much so, I guess, that I ended up accidentally acquiring three more. Yes, I unintentionally own four Urals.

As for my BMW K1200GT, there was a period where all five of my motorcycles (four Urals and the Honda VFR) were down for maintenance, so instead of fixing one, I decided to add a Royal Enfield Himalayan to the fleet (I'm not the only motorcyclist that thinks like this, am I?). Except that they were unobtanium. So popular, I couldn't find one anywhere. I was in my local BMW dealership and saw a very clean 2007 K1200GT, a sport-touring bike that reminded me of a Yamaha FJR1300 that I once owned and remember fondly. It was priced to sell, so I abandoned my Royal Enfield aspirations and gained an exceptional commuter bike.

Did you modify it at all? How?
I added a navigation unit to the BMW, along with a USB port and RAM X-grip 'phone holder. I've been eyeing some auxiliary lights for it, but have not yet pulled the trigger on a purchase. The bike really doesn't need anything else; it's packed with amenities from the factory.

My Ural cT is highly modified, but items relevant to commuting are the addition of Koso Apollo heated grips, a three-pack of auxiliary lights (I call the set 'The Deer-spotter 3000'), splash guards for my legs, and a metal fairing with a huge old Honda Goldwing windscreen atop. Oh, and a RAM swiveling cupholder for milkshakes.

Do you carry a backpack or a messenger bag? Why?
In the past, before selecting motorcycles with integrated luggage, I commuted with a backpack, but I much prefer keeping my flotsam and jetsam off of me and on the bike.

When do you choose to take a car instead of your motorcycle?
Only during torrential downpours or if I need to transport something large (and I mean LARGE, because a person can haul some pretty ridiculous items with a sidecar). I haven't yet encountered a temperature so high or low as to discourage me from suiting-up and riding.

Any tricks or tips for commuting?
Naw, nothing an experienced rider doesn't already know: stay out of "cagers'" blind spots, always dress with what you want to be wearing while you're crashing (padding, Kevlar, and clean underwear), and get a sidecar to continue motorcycle commuting when it's icy and snowy.

What benefits do you receive from riding to work?
Aside from the previously mentioned positive state of mind, I save a few bucks on gas and a few minutes walking to and from my vehicle. I also get to meet a lot of interesting people when I fuel-up the Ural during a commute (although, I guess this is only a benefit if you're extroverted).

Favorite Aerostich gear?
I really like the Falstaff jacket and pants. The Roadcrafter Lite is a technological marvel, but I really enjoy wearing my Falstaff ensemble. It's comfortable, it's warm in the winter, and it just looks 'right' on a vintage-looking bike. AND, through some kind of strange 'Benjamin Button' sorcery, the more you wear it, the BETTER it looks. I wish Aerostich made a hybrid mesh-paneled version for summer wear, because my one nitpick is that, even fully opened-up, the Falstaff set is just too warm for summertime use. If you build it, they will come, Aerostich; think about it.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
When I was in the Navy, I commuted about 40 minutes between my home in Virginia Beach and my ship, the USS WASP (LHD-1) in Norfolk. I had (and have) the Aerostich Lane Sharing Tool installed on my Honda VFR, which, for the unfamiliar, is a James Bond -esque motorized license plate rotater, intended to reveal a smiley face when the license plate is rotated in order to show gratitude for allowing space in traffic. Beginning my commute home one day, I noticed a shipmate behind me in the parking lot, so I pressed the handlebar button and looked in the VFR's mirrors for the response. After seeing the Sailor's smile and thumbs-up, I knew they saw the smiley face where my license plate had once been and made my normal commute home. Upon arrival, I got off the bike and was startled to discover that the Lane Sharing Tool did not flip back closed automatically, as it was supposed to do, and I had made the entire commute with a hidden license plate and a big ol' smiley face prominently displayed! Fortunately, there was no law enforcement behind me that day and the electrical issue was quickly rectified. I still get a kick out of that gadget.

Anything else you would like to share with our audience?
I'm sure that 90 percent of the folks reading this are already Aerostich enthusiasts and know about the company's excellent customer service, quality products, and quirky sense of humor, but for those that aren't, you're in for a treat. Aerostich has enhanced my motorcycle lifestyle with their thoughtful, convenient, and long-lasting riding gear, plus truly great service and support. I'm looking forward to seeing what new products they develop [like the summertime mesh Falstaff ;) ].

Featured Month: May 2022
(May is Motorcycle Safety Month!)

Name: Deryl Thompson

How long have you been riding?
I was given a ride on the back of a motorcycle when I was eleven and everything changed.  By the next weekend, I had a paper route and a savings account.  Three years later, in 1964, I bought my first bike – a 175cc scooter.  (In Alberta at that time, after passing a road test, you could get licensed at 14 for a bike up to 250cc).

First motorcycle?
A Lambretta 175cc scooter.

Current motorcycle?
A 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900GT.  It’s my second Yamaha and my 20th bike.

Tell us about being a licensed motorcycle instructor. 
I became an instructor with the Saskatchewan Safety Council in 1980 as a way of “paying back” to the sport.  Now in my 43rd season, I may well be the longest serving licensed motorcycle instructor in Canada. I’m currently a road instructor with TNT Motorcycling in Edmonton (tntmotorcycling.com).  I teach the Tactics course, a two hour, one on one course for rider improvement.  This course is often used as a prep course prior to the licensing road test, and is also taken by more experienced riders looking to polish their skills.  And sometimes the course is taken by very experienced riders who have moved from countries where they drive on the left – they need a road test in our jurisdiction.

What are one or two motorcycle safety tips you would give to all riders?

1. “Wearing the gear” is obviously top priority – our school is strictly ATGATT.
2. Scan farther down the road and maximize your hazard warning time – staying collision-free is mostly a mental game.


And for new riders?

1. Take a riding course; and
2. Practice!  Spend some quality time focussing your practice on emergency braking, counter steering, hill starts and slow riding.  Aim for smoothness.

And for experienced riders?

1. Take an advanced riding course or a track day; and

2. Change up your riding experience – vary your daily commute, tour somewhere completely new or learn some skills in the dirt.  It will all help you be a better rider.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
I’ve worn the Classic Roadcrafter (2 piece) for decades and it works really well for me, in heat, cold, rain or shine.  I love the gloves – particularly the elkskin gloves and my orange “lobster claw” rain gloves.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
Ten years ago, I came off at 30 mph in gravel on a stretch of road construction in Ontario.  (The local dealer said that the road crew had used a slippery dust suppressant on the road surface).  I was wearing my Roadcrafter suit and only had a small bruise; ATGATT pays off!

Anything else you would like to share with our audience?
Your safety, to a very large extent, depends on your ability to effectively scan for hazards and on your ability to execute emergency hazard-avoidance moves when needed.

The safest riders practice their collision avoidance skills to keep them sharp.  Then they use their excellent scanning skills to avoid needing those same collision avoidance skills!

Deryl belongs to multiple associations:
Member, Black Gold Beemers, Edmonton, AB
BMWMOA #16168
BMWMOA Ambassador Emeritus
Member, Iron Butt Association

Featured Month: April 2022

Name: Bridget McCutchen

How long have you been riding?
I think I was riding from when I was 13. Micheal, my oldest brother, had a motorcycle - I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. He finally let me ride on it on my 13th birthday. I got my own motorcycle when I was 19 and have been riding ever since.

What was your first bike?
My first bike was a 2004 Kawasaki Ninja 250R! I bought it with my older brother’s guidance in Duluth. Riding was terrifying at first - but eventually I got the hang of it.

What is your current bike?
A 2020 Kawasaki versys-X300 that I'm completely in love with.

I’ve named her Mab, after my horse who passed away recently. I had always wanted to take Mab on a long trip, and though I never did, now she gets to ride with me in spirit.

Why do you ride?
I hate this question so much, haha. Just because it’s hard to answer sometimes since I can’t just boil it down. And, of course, sometimes it’s such a misery to be on a motorcycle - just recently I was riding home from New York and it was like 30 degrees out for the whole thousand mile journey. When I got home I was so cold, my feet were total blocks of ice. And yet I still love it so much. I get to be more physically active, and there’s sense of freedom that you just can't get in a car. That’s not an uncommon statement, and for me it’s also about this sense of engagement, too. I’m always much more aware of what’s going on around me and feel more present in the world when I’m on a bike. Whatever is happening around you is happening to you. It’s great, even when it sucks.

Tell us about your upcoming ambition to set a world record.
I will be attempting to set the world record for the youngest woman to circumnavigate the world on a motorcycle! I will also be the youngest person overall, but for some reason they don’t track that. While there probably have been a lot of women to ride around the world, this would be the first official attempt.

What excites you about attempting this?
A lot of things. I’m really excited to go on a longer distance motorcycle trip that I can really see the world and meet people, other motorcyclists who are doing similar things and actually be out in the world. There’s just so much out there. I have been doing some extensive route planning, of course, and mostly been using online resources. I was recently over at a friend’s house and started looking at one of those old book atlases. It had beautiful maps - elevation, rainfall density, just so much information. I spent the rest of the night paging through it. It’s such a big world, and there’s so much in it that I just can’t wait to explore.

Why do you want to set this record?
This is another hard question to answer. I understand why I’m doing it - but it’s not really easy to relate. It’s not a simple answer. I would like to - part of it is for myself. I’d love to have this accomplishment. But it’s also for other people - especially young women, who think it’s not cool to ride a motorcycle, or that we’re crazy - which isn’t wrong. I’m hoping that if they see someone like me - someone who looks like them, they might be more comfortable. Like I was saying, you’re so much more exposed on the bike, but the motorcycling community is so open and welcoming. I feel more empowered to go anywhere, and I get a confidence and freedom that I’ve never had in a car. I want other people to realize that this is something that isn’t out of their reach, and isn’t closed off to them. Honestly, I’m hoping that someone breaks my record - even if it’s the day after I set it. I’d be more than happy to help them.

What do you think will be your greatest obstacle in this feat?
Money and crossing borders. A trip like this is expensive, there’s no getting around that. With all the adventures there’s a lot of things to pay for, shipping the bike, food, gas, so I am a little worried I’ll wind up in some port city trying to barter passage. Really, though, more than that I’m worried that I just won’t be able to cross a border. Beyond the normal hurdles, there’s a lot of turmoil in the world right now, and that means a lot of access is closed off. It’s not like I can put this trip off until things settle down!

Favorite Aerostich gear?
My R3 one piece suit and Mr. Happy! It’s a little hand puppet glove and it comes with those tiny thumb windshield wipers. It’s such a unique piece of equipment - only someone who really knows motorcycles would ever invent something so weird but utterly critical.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
When I was a young girl I remember going to Aerostich in Duluth with my dad and two older brothers. Michael was shopping there and the rest of us were just kind of along for the ride but I remember my dad picking up a Mr. Happy. He thought it was so funny that for the next few months he would use it at any opportunity - when I was grumpy, waking me up for chores in the morning, pretty much anything. I remember me and my dad having so much fun with that stupid little puppet!

Micheal bought an Aerostich suit in 2012. He rode with it through the winters, and eventually handed it down to me. Well, he made me buy it, but it was just 100$ and 5 hours of yard work. It didn’t quite fit me, but boy could I fit a lot of layers under it. Now I have a new one that’s tailored to me and I can’t get over it!

What advice would you give to women riders?
If you’re already out there riding, I’m sure you don’t need advice from me! But if you’re thinking about starting, here is what I have to say:

Don’t let the first day or so of riding scare you for the rest of your life. It’s pretty terrifying. But it’s also like driving a car for the first time, just without the seat belt. Take it slow, find an empty parking lot with nothing to run into and just do some circles to get familiar with the weight of the motorcycle. It will tell you pretty quickly what it can and cannot do and at the same time you'll find out the same about yourself. Just give yourself some time, respect the motorcycle, and try to get over that initial terror. It’s worth it. I promise.

To learn more about Bridget and her goal to set the world record for the youngest woman to circumnavigate the world on a motorcycle, visit her blog and her Instagram!

Featured Month: March 2022

Name: David Douek

How long have you been riding?
Almost 20 years

First motorcycle?
1989 Honda CBR Hurricane 600 converted into a streetfighter, which was (frankly) awesome. It was a really fun bike, I still miss it.

Current motorcycle?
2021 Ninja 1000SX - after a hiatus from sport bikes, I couldn't resist this sport touring offering from Kawasaki. For me, it is comfortable enough to ride all day, which so far has topped out at a little over 850 miles, but I stopped for a hail storm, not discomfort. The gearing, and tuned down (to 147hp) four cylinder, are far more appropriate for the public roads than something like the ZX-10. It is not surprising to me that more manufacturers are bringing back sport oriented touring bikes.

How long have you been commuting by motorcycle?
Most of the last 6 years, but overall about half of the time I've been riding.

Why do you Ride To Work?
Honestly, I just love having the opportunity to ride before and after work almost everyday. I find the rides very soothing, even with NYC traffic (unlike being in a car) and prefer it to mass transit. It gives me an opportunity to do my thing for a little bit each day, kind of meditative in that way.

Where do you live (somewhere colder with snow?)/Do you ride to work in the winter? What is that like?
I live in NY and work in lower Manhattan, so we have some weather... I ride as much as I can, but there are usually a couple of snowstorms each year that push me onto the train for a couple of days; fortunately, our town has a nice little MC only parking area about 20 feet from the train platform. It can get pretty cold here, but that's where Aerostich and Gerbing make all the difference. Modern traction control is also pretty amazing.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
I daily wear the R3 standard in grey and black; it is pretty perfect and makes gearing up super easy, especially when you can throw a suit on underneath and just change boots at work. I keep eyeing the waxed canvas Darien set though, so who knows what's next?!?

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
I ride with a wide variety of bikers here in the North East, and I have become known as the crazy advocate of Aerostich, solely out of my love for the product. So much to the point that if anyone asks in-person, in a chat, on our forums, etc... about any type of riding gear, the others know immediately that I am just going to say, "Aerostich" and drop the mic.

My very first big ride, after receiving my R3, was from NYC to Montreal. I rode alone and on a pretty strict timeline, leaving around 5AM and trying to arrive in Montreal early afternoon in late August. When I arrived at the border, the sun was beating down in some 100 degree weather on the tarmac; or course, there was a long long line. Waiting and waiting my entire body started to sweat sitting out on the road with all the idling engines, including my own. Finally, the car in front of me pulled into the customs booth, but it was really just a tease because the Canadian border control decided to search the entire car...while I waited next in line.  After what felt like an eternity, I was called up to the customs booth. The Agent looked at me, pouring sweat down my face, and before I could even get my helmet off he asked, "aren't you hot in there?" To which I quickly replied, "quite." Feeling pity or, perhaps, mercy, he barely glanced at my passport and sent me on my way.

Anything else you would like to share with our audience?
Ride safe, far, and often!

You can learn more about David by following him on Facebook and Instagram.

Featured Month: February 2022

Name: Şahin Naci ŞAİR

I live in İstanbul, Türkiye. My work is insurance agency and I am making insurance especially for motorcycle and health insurance of riders. Motorcycle and sailing are my two loves. I have been a trainer in two motorcycle associations and have led one of them for three years.

I have been riding motorcycles for over 30 years, but owned my first bike Bmw F650 1995. Then R1150 GS 2000, R1200 GS 2006 and now I have R 1150 Adv. 2003 and R1200 HP2 Enduro. HP 2 is my favorite bike.

Motorcycle is not only a vehicle that can transfer to you somewhere. It's a type of living. A lifestyle. I love to travel long trips all over the world. To travel with a bike is like being the star of a wonderfully unique and personal movie...

A motorcycle is absolute freedom. I believe that for this freedom, your bike has to be able to go on all roads... Even if there are no roads where you want to go.

I have been riding all over Türkiye and Georgia, all the Balkan countries and the previously Yugoslavian lands. All round of Europe. I also have been riding in Egypt and South Africa. Am planning to go to Mongolia. And I have a plan to ride to south America with my partner. She is an American citizenship and we are dreaming to ride there.

My favorite place to ride is Georgia and Egypt. Georgia is a country of mountains and rivers. Also to ride in the Deserts of Egypt is a fantastic memory of my riding experience. I also ride in the mountains of Turkey especially in the southern region of Turkey, the massive Toros mountains. I recommend all of the riders of world to ride in this geography.

My first Aerostich was the Roadcrafter two part since 2002 and I bought is second hand from a friend. It's still perfect and I feel fully protect against dangers and the elements.

You can learn more about Sahin by following him on Facebook and Instagram.

Featured Month: January 2022

Name: Muriel Farrington

How long have you been riding?
22 years

What was your first bike?
97 BMW F650 Funduro

What is your current bike?
2012 BMW F650GS and 2017 BMW F700GS

Why do you ride?
Love it - the feelings, the smells, the freedom, the beauty, meeting people on the road, exploring, being in the environment.

What is the most difficult part of motorcycling?
Not enough riding days.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
Roadcrafter 1 piece / Women's

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
A woman came up to me in a coffee shop in Union, South Carolina and asked what I did that I was dressed the way I was. I said I rode a motorcycle. She got excited, then asked where I was from, and I said Vermont, then she really got excited. She got on her cell phone, called the local reporter and ordered him to get over there right away and interview me. She and two of her women companions are still Facebook friends today.

On a sperate note, of course I always get asked if I'm not hot in my 'Stich. Answer: Not as hot as a cast. Response: But I don't plan on going down. Answer: Neither did the Titanic.

What advice would you give to women riders?
Get geared up, take classes, and go.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a rider?
Take classes and read anything by David Hough.

Any other thoughts you would like to share?
Motorcycling has changed my life. It has given me experiences I would never trade and the confidence to get out and ride both near and far.

Hear more of Muriel's story here (YouTube video, 19:46).

Featured Month: December 2021

Name: Scott Nelson

How long have you been riding?
I started riding in 1986, after getting a ride on the back of a friend's Virago in Ft. Gordon, GA while at Army Signal School.

What was your first bike?
I bought a 1977 Yamaha RD400 from a colleague at a hardware store, only paying $400 for it. Kick-start only, which prioritized learning clutch control in traffic. On my first ride after picking it up my buddies were laughing at me wondering if I'd ever get out of first gear. I'm now on something like my 22nd motorcycle. Hey, who's counting?

What is your current bike?
My stable currently holds several bikes: My 2009 BMW R1200GSA, 2007 Honda ST1300PA (formerly City of Modesto bike), a 2007 Yamaha Zuma 50cc two-stroke my 18-yr old son rides to work at Starbucks, a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650 technically owned by my 21 yr old but I'm holding as collateral for buying him my sister-in-law's Honda Pilot as a more practical work vehicle, and lastly a Harley Davidson Street Glide belonging to my neighbor who is recovering from cancer. The Harley is under the deck with the rest, just need to get it running again.

Do you ride with others (who?) or alone?
I've had the pleasure to ride with many groups- California Motorcycle Safety Program fellow instructors, Airheads Beemer Club, The Rotary Club of Motorcycling Rotarians and International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians, Doc Wong's ride-class in Redwood City, various Bay Area friends, and also colleagues in the Smoky Mountains, Germany and Singapore. More recently I've dabbled in ADV with Matt Hoffman's Breaking Away Trips. Up until the pandemic I'd been commuting by moto daily for decades as well.

Do you commute to work by bike?
Yes, for decades in the Bay Area until the pandemic started us working from home. This fall I bought my first car for personal use since 1995.

What do you love about motorcycling?
A former Bay Area friend now in New York recently wrote me "Hay mas tiempo que vida"- which roughly translates "there is more time than life", a dark humor assertion that life is limited, not time. Motorcycling, especially with Aerostich gear, is an affirmation that dangerous things are worth doing in this life, but only a fool goes in unprepared. We are all mortal. As you're probably aware, motorcycling has also been associated with better mental health, possibly because it replaces the nameless existential dread many people live with, with true visceral danger and excitement. There is little room for mental baggage when we are in the saddle. Riding clears the mind.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
My "go-to" is my current Roadcrafter in tan with black ballastics, somewhat like CHP colors ????. This is my fifth or sixth Roadcrafter. Your Triple-Digit raincovers also make me happy for warm and dry hands, and I love my Transit Suit although my 18 yr old looks far more suave in it than I do.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
I've worn Roadcrafters riding in US, Europe and Asia, and even have a favorite Samsonite rolling duffel that I use specifically for hauling moto gear on these trips. My riding buddies in Singapore kidded me about my fancy California riding suit being inferior to their mesh gear for our ride in Malaysia- saying my face looked like a sweaty tomato. I usually respond "laundry is cheaper than skin grafts" to comments like this. Wash-ability and pack-ability are among my favorite features of the Roadcrafter.

Any other thoughts you would like to share?
Wow. Motorcycling has been life-changing for me, even leading to my 30-yr career in biotech. After my initial Army training I returned to MN and bought my first motorcycle and rode it for two years essentially untrained, just licensed. My youngest brother decided he wanted to ride too, and being underage he was required to attend training by the excellent MN Motorcycle Safety Program. After two weeks of training he was teaching me how to ride better. I realized I was missing out, took the MMSP 1-day Experienced Rider Course, and learned more on that day than I had in two years on the street. At the end of class they asked participants if they'd be interested in working with MMSP in the future. I wrote my name down, they called me while I was a student at U of MN Minneapolis, and in 1991 I was certified as an MSF instructor. I'm still teaching moto, now for the California Motorcyclist Safety Program since 1995. My adult education experience via MSF and CMSP plus my military electronics experience bought me an opportunity to teach biotech field service engineers during the Human Genome Project. That was 1999, and I'm still happily in that industry. My biotech work is especially meaningful to me during the pandemic!

Learn more about Scott at his "somewhat neglected" blog, on Instagram and Twitter, and on his Facebook page. He's also been on the Motorcycles and Misfits podcast several times, if you want to give a listen.

Featured Month: November 2021

Name: Cory Ure

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.

Featured Month: October 2021

Name: Charlie Weisel

How long have you been riding?
I rode my first motorcycle when I was a in High school back in the early 90s, but it was a friend's dirt bike so it didn’t lead to much other than giving me an itch for bikes that I was unable to scratch until my mid 20s. When I finally had the ability to afford a bike of my own I promptly went out and purchased my first Harley-Davidson and never looked back.

What was your first bike?
My first motorcycle was the all classic “first bike”...a Sportster.

Tell us about the chopper you currently ride.
I ride what used to be a 2003 Harley Softail, it is now a highly modified 10’4” long dual rigid chopper with 230,000+ miles on the odometer. I’ve ridden that bike through 48 states, 18 countries and, in a couple of months, will be embarking on a complete lap around the globe on it. I call it my ADV Chopper because I take everywhere, paved or not.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
Hands down, and without hesitation, the R-3 Stealth is the best piece of riding gear I’ve ever owned. Comfortable, waterproof and durable. It’s as simple as that. The bonus is that it also saves me storage space on the bike since I don’t have to carry rain gear or as much extra clothes since I wear the same outfit everyday while riding.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
Where do I even start...there are so many. The R-3 has taken me through so many rain storms, snow storms and dust storms that I’ve lost track. What I can say though is that through all of those weather events I have stayed dry, warm and clean which is something I could never have said Pre R-3. To say that Aerostich has provided a way to be comfortable in all sorts of riding would be a gross understatement. Fortunately I don’t have any crash related stories about the suit but I have no doubt it will perform as advertised if I have the misfortune of finding myself sliding across the road.

You've traveled in a lot of places! What is your favorite: country, state, and city you have ridden in?
India. Rugged and unpredictable Himalayan mountain roads enveloped with brain melting views. Some of the most genuine and kind people in the world. Picturesque monasteries perched atop craggy mountain tops. India provides it all and is my number one recommendation for motorcyclists looking for adventure.

Why did you start your travel blog, Roads Are For Journeys?
Roads are for Journeys was started as a way to share inspiring stories from adventurers around the world, not just motorcyclists, and also as a way to keep those adventurers going. Our website is dedicated to providing inspiration and travel ideas from hiking to motorcycling and everything in between and compensating those story tellers as much as we can. I really enjoy finding the people that are out there quietly doing amazing things, the ones that are genuinely doing it for the love of the adventure. These stories can be found at roadsareforjourneys.com and on Instagram @roadsareforjourneys.

Any other thoughts you would like to share?
This is a big world we live in, one with countless ways of living, ideologies and landscapes. I firmly believe that the more of it we can see the more we develop as individuals, the more we are able to understand the plights of other cultures and develop the compassion necessary to improve our world one day at a time in small yet significant ways. Enough small steps by individuals to improve our world's landscape, in regards to both humanitarian and environmental efforts, will add up to enormous positive changes.

Follow along with Charlie's travels on his Instagram page.

Featured Month: September 2021

Name: Marv Travis

How long have you been riding?
I’ve been riding since 1958 when I bought my first bike, a ’55 Norton ES2 500cc single, followed in sequence by a ’37 Indian Scout, a ’53 Vincent Black Shadow, a Honda CB1100f, a Suzuki RF900R, two Honda CB1100XX Blackbirds, and a 2008 Kawasaki ZX14, currently with 126,000 miles. I estimate I’ve ridden 500,000 miles over the past 63 years. Now, at 85, I make 350-mile day-rides nearly every week, and two or three multi-day rides a year. I find it best to stop every hour or so, which breaks each day’s ride into manageable segments.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
I’m a faithful promoter of the Roadcrafter Classic one-piece. In addition to proper riding gear, there are two items absolutely necessary for me, those being heated gear and a pocketed air seat cushion.

Aerostich-related stories?
Several years ago on a ferry here in Washington State, I was wearing a Hi-Viz yellow Roadcrafter. While in the passenger area, an elderly lady came to me, tenderly put her hand on my arm, and proudly said, “My son is a firefighter too”.

We had ridden to Sunrise on Mt. Rainier, and had been at the Sunrise Lodge several minutes when a female park ranger arrived in a pickup truck, got out, and approached me. She said it was reported that a group of riders had been passing vehicles over the double-yellow, and one of them was wearing a bright yellow suit. The ranger said that, if she had seen the infraction, she would have cited the rider. Wearing a Hi-Viz Roadcrafter is a double-edged sword - the good thing is that you’re noticed, the bad thing is that you’re noticed!

Featured Month: August 2021

Name: Jonathan Litts and Beth Rowland

When and where did you get married?
8/11/21 at Garnet Hill Lodge in North River, NY

Where did you ride for your mini-moon?
We left after work on Friday and rode up along Lake George, having been invited to stay at Jonathan's aunt and uncle's camp situated right on the lake's outlet in Ticonderoga. A beautiful first stop! They arrived the next morning to cook us breakfast and see us off on day 2. From Ticonderoga we traveled through northern VT and NH to The Copper Pig brewery in Lancaster (highly recommend). We love planning our trips around trying various restaurants and breweries (we usually share a flight. Can't have too much while riding). After "first dinner" at The 'Pig, we continued over to our B&B in Bethel, ME, where we sampled the local fare (including Steam Mill Brewing Co.). Next Morning, after a hearty and delicious breakfast at the Holidae House, we made our way down to SoMe Brewing Co. in York, ME. We love York... this is the 3rd time we've been through there, and first time at SoMe (highly recommend. No restaurant but free popcorn). We then made our way to our final stop, Bristol, RI. What a spot! (But then again, any New England harbor town is great.) More eating. More drinking. All the good things, coupled with a restorative view of the peaceful harbor. Next (and final) morning, we had a fabulous waterside to-go breakfast from the Beehive Cafe, zipped into our Roadcrafters, and made our way via the superslab back to reality. *sigh* This being our "mini-moon", we'll have a tropical honeymoon in the near future.

How did you meet?
We worked together initially and have been friends for years. Eventually both of our life situations changed, and our friendship evolved into romance and love.

How long have you been riding (together and separately)?
Jonathan has loved bikes his whole life, although was never allowed to have one until he moved out on his own. He got his license at 23 in 2003 on an '82 Kawasaki KZ440LTD that barely ran. He fielded the question in the early stages of our relationship (2018) "do you think you'd like motorcycling?" "Yes!" she said, and unbeknownst to him, in 2 days had riding gear from Amazon sitting on the front porch. LOL. We decided to find a Honda ST1100, as Jonathan had had one before and they're fabulous all-around touring bikes.

What bike(s) do you currently ride/own?
The main ride is our 1993 Honda ST1100. Jonathan also has a first-gen KLR.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
2-piece Roadcrafter classic!

How did you decide on getting Roadcrafters?
Jonathan had had one years ago, and recommended we upgrade to these easier on/off, highly protective and highest-quality units as we travel more and more. Jonathan also has an 12 year old Darien jacket and pants.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
Jonathan: I did my first Saddlesore 1000 in 2009. It was April, which in hindsight was not a good decision in upstate NY. The day started out lovely, leaving on my thousand-something mile loop before dawn, and heading West along I-90 as the sun rose behind me. As I turned to head South in Erie, PA, the sky started looking a little "iffy" off to my right. Sure enough, the rain started. And it continued steadily for 17 straight hours as I followed its apparent path West to East on my way back home. April showers... are freakin' cold. LOL. If I hadn't had my heated jacket under my Darien I'm not sure what I would've done. But let me tell you... That Darien jacket and pants kept me AMAZINGLY dry on that terrible day. I had some wetness wick down my neck gaiter to my shirt's collar, and some came up my sleeves to my forearms (non-gauntlet gloves), but the rest of me... bone dry. Amazing.
Beth: I LOVE that I can wear a dress and the Roadcrafter just zips right over it. It is super easy to get on and off in seconds when we stop, very convenient!

Want to see more of their adventures together? Find them on Instagram!

Featured Month: July 2021

Name: Brook Dain

How long have you been riding?
I have been riding my whole life. There were always minibikes, dirt bikes, 3-wheel atvs, and snowmobiles to fool around with. In college a friend had a Puch moped that I rode often. I was a BMX kid and that led me to become an avid bicyclist until my 40’s and I decided that my knees couldn’t handle pedaling anymore. That’s when I got turned on to Vespa scooters, They are the perfect urban commuter. I have been exclusively riding scooters for 13 years and haven’t owned a car for the last 6 years.

What bike(s) do you currently ride/own?
1962 Vespa GS160 (Darth Vespa) which spends most of it’s time in my living room because it is terrifying to ride in Silicon Valley traffic, 2007 Vespa GTS 250 (Rolf), 2013 Vespa GTV300 (Butter), 2020 Vespa GTS300 hpe (Pesto)

Tell us about your experience with the Scooter Cannonball Run Day. (This is so cool!)
I have done a number of scooter adventures. In 2016 I rode the Karakoram Highway through Pakistan to the Khunjerab Pass on the border of China. This was on a Vintage Vespa and was documented in the short film “Scootistan - A Vespa Tour of Pakistan” (available here on YouTube). I’ve also ridden scooters in the Cross Egypt Challenge and the Cross India Challenge. This year I completed my second Scooter Cannonball Run. The 2021 Scooter Cannonball Run ran 4500 miles from Bar Harbor, Maine to Eureka, California in ten days. 500 mile days on a 278cc, Scooter is one of the most grueling rides I have ever done. Along the way we encountered wild animals (I hit a deer in New York), torrential rain storms, lightning storms, downed trees and power lines. Of the 88 riders/scooters that started only 37 made it all the way to the finish. This year’s edition of the Scooter Cannonball was featured in a USA Today article. All on a tiny scooter that’s meant for Italian ladies to take shopping. I really enjoy the challenge or riding a bike that is deemed inappropriate for the trip at hand. It would be too easy on a big adventure bike, where is the adventure in that?

What makes you most excited about getting out for a ride?
I ride every day as a “Scooter Commuter” but my favorite rides are the ones where I get completely lost and see things that I have never seen before. Riding a small CC scooter keeps me off the interstate and on interesting back roads. I love visiting small towns and going slow enough to take in all that my travels have to offer.

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
Every motorcycle (scooter) is an adventure motorcycle, if you go on adventures with it.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
I really love my Yellow R3 Tactical. My girlfriend calls it “The Astronaut Banana Super Suit” Being unlined it is much more versatile than my older Roadcrafter jacket and pants. I can layer fleece under it on cold days, but most days I just wear a T-shirt and shorts underneath. I recently bought a pair of Elk skin Roper gloves… I think that they are superior to any motorcycle glove I have ever worn.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
My yellow Aerostich Suit gets worn every day for urban commuting, weekend trips, off road riding, and longer adventures, so it is often filthy. I’m often asked don’t you ever clean that thing? I just reply, “The point is not to keep the suit clean, the point is that the suit keeps me clean.”

Featured Month: June 2021

Name: Rob Copley

How long have you been riding?
22 Years

What makes you most excited about motorcycling?
The independent use of all four limbs in harmony with my senses.

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
ATGATT!!
(All The Gear, All The Time)

What inspired you to start the Road Grimed Astronaut Fan Group on Facebook?
In general, I am a big fan of comradery. I think the “Groups” are one area where Facebook does a good job of providing a space for like minded people to communicate. I love my Aerostich gear, and I thought that it would be nice to have a spot for Road Grimed Astronauts to share their stories, pictures, and experiences.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
My favorite piece of Aerostich gear is whatever piece (or pieces) I happen to be wearing when asked!  I love them all!  My first suit was gifted to me by my riding mentor, Dr. Donald Hight. He is an extremely accomplished long distance rider and a good friend.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
Unfortunately, I had a crash in the summer of 2020. Luckily I was atgatt and my roadcrafter performed amazingly well. I won’t ride without Aerostich!

Any other thoughts?
I recently purchased a Roadcrafter jacket for my favorite passenger, my 14yo daughter. She is learning the principles of ATGATT.

Featured Month: May 2021

Name: Eric Epton

How long have you been riding?
21 Years

Who or what was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
Riding got good for me when I met the Euro Riders of Kern. It's a great group of people with a common passion for riding and no nonsense. They've become great friends and riding buddies. They helped encourage me to take this trip while I had the chance in life.

First motorcycle?
2000 Honda Nighthawk 750. It was way too big to learn on, but I survived.

Current motorcycle?
I have 8+, but my main bike is 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere. I have had it since new and it turned over 32k today. She may see 40k before the trip is done.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
R3 Light. I got it at a popup event and had it custom tailored.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
Bakersfield is a hot place. Usually I wear gym clothes underneath my suit if I'm going for a long ride. One Sunday morning I came out of the bedroom in gym shorts and shirt wearing off-road adventure boots. My mother in law saw me and started laughing hysterically because I looked ridiculous. I just told her it was hot today, did the giant zip and said goodbye.

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
Buy heated gear now. The sooner you buy it, the more years you get to enjoy not being cold.

Tell us about the 35 day ride you are currently on. Where did you begin? What road have you liked best? Why are you riding?
I started in Bakersfield California. So far GA State Highway 60in the Chattahoochee National Forest has been best. Lush green rolling hills, endless curves, and perfect tarmac. People have always asked me what my dream job is, and I told them "motorcycle riding vagabond". Recently life gave me a chance. I asked my wife if I could take a month plus and go riding and she told me "do it!" So I reached out on social media and made a plan to travel around America and visit friends and family. Some I haven't seen in months. Some I haven't seen in decades. So I am seeing the country and reconnecting with people. It's been incredible, and everyone has been so happy to have me as a guest.

Featured Month: April 2021

Name: Julie Schlachter

How long have you been riding?
On the road-16 years.
Total, about 27 years on my own 2 wheels.
Before that, was in a sidecar at a mere 6 weeks old!

Who or what was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
My family. And then, when I joined an FJR forum- all the guys and gals from the internet that became my extended family!!

First motorcycle(s)?
1977 Honda z50
1975 Honda XR75
1989 Honda NX125
1987 Honda Shadow700

Current motorcycle(s)?
2012 Yamaha FJR1300
2000 Suzuki DRZ400s

Favorite Aerostich gear?
My 1-piece R-3. It’s so comfortable and waterproof! It is form fitted now, and easy on and off. It’s basically a second skin! (So I can keep my own skin if I were to go down.)

My 1-piece Classic comes in close second, because it is sized up a smidge to allow for a few extra layers and heated gear. Makes for comfortable cold weather riding.

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

Nearly 20% of riders are female. Any thoughts on this?
Wooo-hooo! 20% is a great start... we're getting ready to take over the world!!

Any other thoughts?
You meet the coolest people in Aerostich gear! Have had many people (riders and non-riders) ask me about the gear, and I have talked to riders merely because they were wearing Aerostich. I have been spotted in a sea of motorcycles because of the well-traveled ‘Stich suit.

Thanks for making a quality product that allows for an enjoyable ride! I have ridden through a wide variety of weather and temperatures…and the Aerostich gear allows me to continue smiling.

Featured Month: March 2021

Name: Chandler Baker

How long have you been riding?
5 years now

Who or what was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
My Dad. He collects vintage BMW airheads and races one too. My mother also rides so my parents definitely got me into it.

First motorcycle?
1977 BMW R60/7

Current motorcycle? 2019 BMW r nine t Scrambler

Favorite Aerostich gear?
The roadcrafter two piece suit. It's so comfortable.

My roadcrafter was manufactured in 1988 and stands the test of time. It saved me in an accident in New Mexico and I wouldn't wear anything else. It was my dad's suit previously and he passed it on to me when he upgraded to a 1 piece Aerostich suit.

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
Be patient and be vigilant. But above all, enjoy every ride like it could be your last.

Also, thank you for your military service. Which branch did/do you serve in? United States Air Force Active Duty

Any other thoughts?
Thank you for making such an amazing product in the USA!! I have a much higher confidence in my safety while riding because of your product.

Featured Month: February 2021

Name: Jeff Ferguson