Fast Facts About Jeff:
- Riding for 47 years
- MSF RiderCoach and RiderCoach Trainer
- First bike was a YZ-80 at 8 years old
- Current bikes are BMW GS Adventure and a Royal Enfield Himalayan
- Favorite gear is the Aerostich Roadcrafter two piece suit
- Loves both paved and dirt riding
I've been riding for nearly 47 years. My dad bought me a YZ-80 when I was 8 years old and that pretty much sealed the deal, I was hooked!
Evel Knievel was a big influence for sure, but the biggest was probably my best friend's brother who rode. I remember being just fascinated with his bike and how "cool" he was!
I've had over two dozen bikes in those 47 years, but I currently ride a BMW GS Adventure and a Royal Enfield Himalayan. I love both paved and dirt riding, and these two bikes allow me to ride just about anywhere I want to go.
Favorite Aerostich gear is without a doubt is the two piece Roadcrafter! It's taken me all over the US and even through Canada and Alaska in 2018. Best. Suit. Ever! I also love the Aerostich tank panniers - brilliant design and functionality.
I'm a MSF RiderCoach and a RiderCoach Trainer, and I wear the suit A LOT when teaching new riders or new coaches. Conversations inevitably turn to "what kind of suit is that" and I love going into detail on why this is the best gear on the planet. It's also a great tool to use in class when we talk about All the Gear, All the Time.
My favorite story is this - I have a good friend who kept buying inferior gear and was never quite satisfied with it. Every time I told him, "dude, just buy an Aerostich and you'll never buy another one of those worthless products". I'd watch him buy yet another jacket or pair of riding pants and just shake my head. On our rides, I would always be bone dry, and he would get sopping wet. On a particularly rainy day outside of Stewart, British Columbia, we got off our bikes at a gas station and he was soaked to the core and and shaking from the cold while I was dry and comfy. He looked at me and finally said "I think I might have to get me one of those suits". The rest is history, and now he has a Darien Light and AD1 pants and couldn't be happier. He is a true convert - I now hear him telling other people "dude, you should just buy an Aerostich"!
Best motorcycle advice is probably always to strive to keep learning. So many riders out there learn the basics but then never seek to hone their skills. And interestingly, most people associate learning with just the motor skills side of the equation, things like braking, swerving, and cornering. Yes, those are all VERY important, but arguably more important is the mental/psychological aspect of riding to include the right mental state, a dedication to safety, not riding past your skill level, avoiding distractions, and keeping a safe time/distance while in traffic. Finally, I always tell newer riders to try and "read traffic" as it will keep you out of trouble on every single ride.
I'm excited to be acknowledged as an Aerostich Rider of the Week! I am a believer in the made in the USA product. It's never let me down, and most importantly, it gives me a sense of confidence when riding. I know that if the weather turns bad, the suit will laugh in the driving rains' face! I also like knowing that if I am ever involved in a crash, this suit could very likely be the difference between life and death.
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