Starting to Ride Late
Unlike most riders, my motorcycle journey is just beginning — at age 32.
I’m not coming into this with a wealth of experience or decades of knowledge. What I do have is a hunger to explore the world of, and on, two wheels.
Why Now?
I dragged my feet on the idea for years…decades even.
I’ve been passionate about anything with a motor since I was a kid. Growing up in Central Florida, I was surrounded by motorcycles, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, boats, custom cars, lifted trucks, etc. The desire was always there — I just never leaned into it.
Instead, I poured everything into sports — especially baseball. That focus paid off: I played through college and even won a National Championship. But like every athlete eventually must, I hung it up and faced the question we all do when a chapter ends: What now?
The Pull of the Road
My 20s were a whirlwind. Like many, I got my tail kicked by life. But in the mess of it all, I found something grounding: travel, connecting with strangers, and (admittedly) hours of motorcycle YouTube.
Whether it’s adventure riders trekking remote trails, weekend warriors hitting back roads, or YouTuber’s sharing their rides — the freedom they showcase is contagious. Even frustrating at times. Every video reminded me that I still didn’t own a bike, and wouldn’t hardly know how to ride it if I did.
It got to the point where I’d lose sleep at night thinking, Why haven’t I started yet?
The First Step
That frustration finally moved me to action. I signed up for the MSF Basic Rider Course through my local Harley-Davidson dealer — and that was it. The moment I finished the first exercise, I was sold.
That course didn’t just teach me to ride. It confirmed what I already knew deep down: that riding motorcycles was for me.
The Rider Atlas — From Inspiration to Action
Beginning my journey sparked an idea: The Rider Atlas.
It’s a map of my journey from day one — the triumphs, the failures, the lessons, the gear, the routes, the experiences. Along with being a place other riders can stop and see what else is out there, in the world of motorcycles.
A Community Worth Sharing
One of the best things about motorcycles? The community.
We all bring different backgrounds, perspectives, and stories — and that’s something worth sharing. That’s why I created Rider Contributions. It’s a space to share your own experiences, tips, and wisdom.