#NickIenatsch

Being the resident sportbike guy at MO didn’t just happen overnight. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some good mentors in my early days of riding that prevented me from riding myself straight off a cliff. Then, through the perks that come with a job like this, I’ve been extremely lucky to receive the coaching of some of the best riders – and teachers – this sport has to offer.

Taking this job with Motorcycle.com has opened up an unbelievable set of opportunities for me. I’ve had the chance to ride some amazing motorcycles in some of the most awe-inspiring places. If you’d asked me when I moved from the Midwest ten years ago if I thought I would’ve had the experiences I’ve had so far, even though I’ve always been hopeful, I couldn’t have imagined just how incredible it has been. Not a day goes by, even the long ones in front of a computer, that I’m not truly grateful for this.

Hey, don’t look at me; I learn to do everything on YouTube! Matter of fact, I just got the AC at Casa JB up and running on the first 95-degree day of the year, thanks to a new $18 relay I learned how to replace on YT! Yaaaaay! On the other hand, I had to wade through a bunch of vidiots before I got to the good information, and there’s the rub. Even with all the new wonderbikes, the skills and mindset one needs to properly operate a motorcycle in a self-preserving fashion haven’t changed since the print era, and these books are the gold standard. Also, I think you internalize things when you’re relaxed in your comfy reading spot much better than you do on your iPhone bouncing along in back of an Uber, no? Not that you can’t Kindle or tablet some of these up if you must. Away we go.

Having grown up in a gearhead household, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded with bikes and cars from a very young age. My father split his weekends between teaching my brother how to ride enduro bikes and teaching me how to get faster in go-karts. The constant theme was one of being the best you can at operating your power toys, and surrounding yourself with people who can teach you how to get better, faster and safer along the way.