David Mixson – Founder
I’m not a motorcycle instructor and I haven’t ridden for so long that I forgot what beginner riders face when they learn to ride.
I was lucky to find two motorcycle mentors that guided me through the early years of riding. I will share what they taught me, what I learned for myself, and what others have shared here since I started this site over seven years ago.
One day in 2006
I started MotorcycleMentor with the help of several more experienced riders — including my motorcycle mentors: Fred Applegate and Pete Tamblyn. Many of the tips they have shared here are the same lessons they taught me during my first year. You can learn more about the Contributors below:
- David Mixson — Founder
- Fred Applegate — Mentor and Contributor
- Pete Tamblyn — Mentor and Contributor
- Donn Brous — Contributor
- Mike Shell — Contributor
- Stan Carr — Contributor
- “You” — learn how you can contribute
Sold it, then bought it back
Celebrating the Purchase
The only way to get rid of the knot in my stomach was to sell it, or so I thought. That worked for a while, but two years later I decided to finish what I started, and purchased the site back.
Some say I’m crazy. I say I’m determined.
Why I bought MotorcycleMentor back
My mentors and other contributors spent a great deal of time developing the original content for the site. I’m embarrassed to admit that most of their hard work was stuck in my email inbox. Only 10% of the content we originally developed was ever published on the site. This wasn’t right to them and it isn’t right to you.
I guess that’s why I had a knot in my stomach.
In August 2013, I started the site over. This time I won’t stop until I finish building the resource I dreamed of creating. Every struggle, every question, every feeling of exhilaration is still as vivid as it was during my first year.
So if you’re thinking about purchasing a motorcycle or have some beginning rider questions. You’re in the right place.
What we do
We guide beginning motorcycle riders through there first years of riding by developing resources to help you:
- decide if motorcycle ownership is right for you
- select the best first motorcycle for you
- understand core motorcycle riding principles
And ultimately… we want *you* to take ownership of your own safety.
How we do it
First, we try to talk you out of buying a motorcycle. This may sound strange, but we want you to consider all the data before you decide. Next, we provide our exclusive MotorcycleMentor Quick Start Guide to get you started. It’s free to download here.
If you decide to buy one anyway, we understand, and will show you how to select the best beginner motorcycle for you. Not the one-size-fits-all model, because that motorcycle doesn’t exist. Next, we provide beginning rider tips and MotorcycleMentor Quick Tips to guide you through the first months and years of riding.
Why we do it
I started MotorcycleMentor to pass along what was given to me by my motorcycle mentors. Fred and Pete guided me through my first year and beyond. Their guidance was less about “how to ride” and more about the mental steps and actions you take to become a proficient rider. Expect the same here.
I didn’t have to learn everything by myself. Now, you don’t have to either.
We’re not there yet
Please join the discussion and contribute when you can: ask questions, post comments, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
If you believe in what we are doing, would you consider mentioning us in your favorite motorcycle forum? Thanks.
We will continue to help beginning riders enter the sport — the right way.
David Mixson
Founder
Please note: This site can’t substitute for hands-on training. Nor can hands-on training substitute for mental preparation MotorcycleMentor provides.
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