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Q & A with Matt

How long have you been riding and what do you currently ride?

Matt - I've been riding since 2011, and I currently ride a Kawi z1000, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, Scrambler 1200xe, and a Beta 350 Race Edition.

How did you first get interested in riding a motorcycle?

Matt - My older sister got a bike, so it was "monkey see, monkey do," plus it gave me something to do when there wasn't enough snow for snowmobiling.

What is your dream bike?

Matt - A Caspian Blue Tiger 900 Rally Pro! Well, it WAS a Caspian Blue Tiger 900 Rally Pro, but since I just made one, I guess... a Panigale would be cool?

What is the farthest trip you’ve done on your motorcycle?

Matt - The farthest I've been from home on a bike would have to be Yuma, where I rode from Fallon, NV to Yuma, AZ (680 miles, in one day, mind you) to ride the CABDR-S.

Where would you love to visit on a motorcycle?

Matt - Baja is definitely on the list, but the ultimate dirtbike trip I think would be Iceland.

What is your most memorable experience on a motorcycle to date?

Matt - I have so many! If I had to only pick ONE, it would have to be racing my first motorcycle race EVER on my Triumph Tiger 800 at the Virginia City Grand Prix. It was such a turning point in my life. A close friend told me that the person she saw starting that race was not the same person who finished it. I had found something incredible inside myself during that race. It's one thing to do an off road rally or event on a big bike, it's another thing entirely to line up on a starting line next to dirt bikes on a big bike. That's part of why I race the National Hare and Hounds Hooligan class.

Do you prefer group rides or solo rides?

Matt - I have found ways to enjoy both! There's something incredibly meditative and soothing about riding solo, but also there's so much more to enjoy when you have multiple riders, especially when there are comms involved. The comm banter is worth the price of admission!

What is the toughest thing you learned on a motorcycle to date?

Matt - Definitely wheelies. I'm so terrible at them.

Name an inspirational riding figure you look up to, and why?

Matt - I gotta say my friend Allison. Anyone who gets t-boned by a drunk driver on her ducati monster, and then turns around and races Vegas to Reno a couple years later is absolutely an inspiration. Graham Jarvis. He taught me that you are always the limiting factor with riding. Next year's bike, this gadget or that gizmo won't make you a better rider. There's no substitute for hard work and practicing the right techniques.

What’s your advice to newer riders?

Matt - My dad taught me this. He heard it while learning to become a pilot but it applies to riding as well. When you start riding, you have 2 buckets: One is for experience, and it is empty. The other has luck, but there's no way to tell how much is in there. The trick to riding is to fill up the first bucket, before the 2nd one runs out.