Kyle G. of Austin shares intel on his compilation of bikes, great rides in Chicago and Texas, and trip #goals.
How long have you been riding, which bikes have you owned and how did you become interested in riding?
I started riding a friend's dirt bikes in high school along with ATVs (do those count? LOL). I’ve loved motorcycles since a very young age and they’ve been in my family. In fact, there’s a very dorky picture of me on my uncle’s Ninja in high school. I first rode on the street on the family’s beater bike, a Suzuki GZ250. I was told that if I could it get running, I could have it. I then proceeded to do just that—then popped the clutch and rammed her straight into the wall.
I’ve owned and still have the following bikes (however have ridden many more!):
1976 Harley AMF 250ss - (unnamed) which was my grandpa’s, and has kind of a sad story behind it. I'm currently rebuilding it.
2015 Ural Gear-Up - (Yeva) which I got when we got our puppers and it's definitely my most popular rental. I've taken it on full camping trips and off-roading.
2020 Triumph Street Triple RS - (MJ) is the smoothest cycle I’ve ever ridden and I'm going to be taking her on the track soon.
2015 Ducati Scrambler Icon - (Scarlet) which I bought in San Diego and rode back cross-country to Chicago with some friends. She’s my baby and my favorite cycle.
I'm actually thinking of getting a desert sled for off-road and ADV fun.
What moto trips have you taken (long or short). Where did you go, stay, and explore? Tell us some highlights.
Riding around Chicago was always fun as the various communities are very interesting to explore with lots of unique stores, restaurants, bars, and people. I've have some great times going from the West Loop to River North to Logan Square to Wrigleyville and so in, in any order. Throw a dart at the Chicago map and you’ll probably find a unique place close by.
My San Diego to Chicago Trip was a blast. The first half was fantastic and then we found out that Colorado has a monsoon season. I was so wet and cold that my hands were frozen in a circle. I could put my credit card in the gas pump, but couldn’t pull it out fast enough to work. We started off with rain gear, but it ripped apart; so it was trash bags and duct tape for the rest of the trip. Then when we got back to Illinois, we ran into a tornado. It was one shit-storm after another, but it was fun 'cause it was my brother, my uncle, and I, and we were in it together.
My family also throws a July 4th party every year and so riding from Chicago to Indiana for that has always been a great time. Doing the trip with Yeva (my Ural) and the dogs or with friends and family on bikes was always a fun journey. We moved to Austin a little bit ago and I love it here but probably the one thing I miss about being up north is family and friends. That being said, there’s so much to do and see outdoors down here and it’s moto season year-round—it’s amazing. There are so many fun roads and the moto community down here is just amazing; I’ve already made lifelong friends and enjoy sharing rides with them.
What hobbies do you enjoy when you’re not riding?
I’ve heavily enjoyed the design and rebuilding process for my '76 Harley. I’d love to do a custom build or two every year and already have my next project conceptualized. I’m teaching myself welding too, to help with the above! Outside of that I love playing piano, gaming with my homies or flying solo, reading, working 'cause I love my job, cooking, and just trying new things.
What do you enjoy about being part of the Twisted Road community?
It’s so cool getting to meet other riders from across the country and learn about their backgrounds and experiences. I’ve also really enjoyed letting people ride Yeva and get a sidecar experience under their belts.
What are your favorite biker friendly places around your hometown?
I think all of Austin is very biker friendly, and there are just so many places to try and visit. If I had to pick, I’d have to say the The Little Darlin’. They have great food, a mystery slushee every day, live music, and motorcycle parking—can’t go wrong with that.
What are your favorite rides near your hometown?
I think, like most people in Austin, that Lime Creek is fun (though I have passed some overzealous riders running the line very very unsafely). I also really like Bee Cave Road and there’s a custom back-roads ride that I put together that goes out to Desert Door Distillery, which is both fun and pretty.
Most recently I discovered Mt. Bonnell road which has a gorgeous view of the lake and some very intimidating inclines and sharp turns. I’m still new and learning the roads here, and when I’m looking at riding I typically will just make some destinations and look at the maps and find the most fun-looking way there (avoiding highways of course).
What location is on your moto trip bucket list?
Route 66 from top to bottom. It just seems like something I have to do—for America, or those that came before us, or whatever. I’d also like to do an ADV-like cross-desert trip. Oh, and tour Europe on a moto.
Essentially there are a lot of trips on my list. I mean, American itself is a big place and there’s lots to see. I do a yearly trip with my buds, so hopefully (with some luck) we’ll see it all without hitting too many bumps in the road.
Check out Kyle's bikes available for rent on Twisted Road:
