About Austin Moto Academy

Some would say I am obsessed with everything motorcycle. Over 30 years ago, to the disapproval of my mother, I pushed home my first bike: a 1972 Honda CB125s. A friend helped me rebuild the motor, I moved out of my parent’s house, and my life with motorcycles began. As a financially strapped young man I found forgotten bikes, moved them into my kitchen or bedroom and brought them back to life. As I made more money I bought nicer bikes but still rebuilt and maintained them, as well as my friends’ bikes, just because I loved doing it. I logged many miles across this country and others on a variety of bikes. The experienced riders, mechanics, and shop owners that I have known over the years have helped me follow my dreams on a motorcycle. Now I realize that being a part of the motorcycling community means giving back. Austin Moto Academy gives me the chance to share not only my knowledge, but my passion for bikes as well. I can talk motorcycles all day.

I first rode motorcycles here in Austin in the early 90’s. After spending time in New York City and teaching English at Waseda University in Tokyo, I returned to Austin in 2010. It’s been great to be back in a place where I can camp, kayak, and ride motorcycles in my free time. I love teaching and have really enjoyed helping others learn to ride safely and responsibly.

I have been riding motorcycles since I was 9 years old. I am a self-taught rider, as I started on a dirt bike in a plum orchard. I have ridden my motorcycle across the United States from coast to coast including many events and rallies. I currently own and ride Harley Davidson, Honda and Ducati motorcycles. I started coaching in 2017 and found that it is an amazing thing seeing a brand new rider who has never ridden a motorcycle before, take the first steps on their motorcycle journey. I have taught using the MSF programs beginner and intermediate classes. I am enthusiastic about coaching and hope to meet you on the range.

Originally from Michigan, I started riding motorcycles in 2003 when a friend let me ride his 1999 Suzuki GSXR 600. I immediately fell in love with riding. Shortly after I got my first bike and took my first Basic Riding course in Virginia to get my endorsement. Over the years I’ve had a variety of motorcycles. From 250cc-1300cc, and everything in between. Currently, I own a Ducati Hypermotard SP. I’ve been fortunate to be able to develop my motorcycle skills over the years through multiple riding courses, track time, racing, becoming a RiderCoach, and even living in multiple countries which allowed me to experience different perspectives/cultures of how they view motorcycles. I’m an avid trackday rider, and my passions include cars, bikes, and motorsports which always accompanies coffee. I love teaching motorcycle classes. I get to share my passion with others by showing how seriously fun it can be, but still being safe about it.

I started riding motorcycles at 14. It was in the alley behind a friend’s house in Corpus Christi, Texas. I dropped that bike when I tried to turn around, burned my thigh, and I was hooked. I had to wait almost 14 years and two combat deployments before I could get legally licensed to ride on the road. I was gone after that, I have owned all styles of motorcycles since then. I’m currently on a 2015 Harley Davidson FXDB (Dyna Street Bob). I started coaching in 2021 while I was on Active Duty serving in Italy in the United States Air Force. It was for completely selfish reasons and completely voluntary. I did it to provide me a sense of happiness via sharing my love of motorcycles to my Airmen and other service members. When I moved back to Texas, I decided to turn my motorcycle volunteerism into a full time job. I teach motorcycle safety, because I love motorcycling. I want to pass that passion for life I found in motorcycling to anyone who is open to life on two wheels.