Driven to Ride shares the stories of motorcyclists from all walks of life: prominent journalists, racers, celebrities who you didn’t know rode motorcycles, first-time adventurers, and ordinary folks who have taken extraordinary adventures. Driven to Ride also documents the adventures of its host, Mark Long, further exploring his life-changing experiences on two wheels. You’ll meet riders just like you who share moving stories about why they love to ride and how the sport has changed their li ...
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We’re a twice a month podcast where we talk about all things motorcycles and the biker lifestyle as well as riding around the Ozark Mountains of Missouri & Arkansas and well, just about anything else that might pop into our minds. We tend to babel from time to time. Our podcast are short by podcast standards, usually around a half hour in length. It turns out that we have a short attention span, and tend to get bored sitting around listening to long format podcast for an hour or two which se ...
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Bob Starr considers himself “lucky,” having spent his entire career in the motorcycle industry, including more than 32 years at Yamaha in marketing and, currently, corporate communications. “I turned a passion of mine at a very early age into a lifelong career,” he says with the enthusiasm of a teenager, “and I have really, really enjoyed it. I hop…
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Great bikes that are not Harley’s & Indians.
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In this episode Randy and I talk about some of the great motorcycles out there that are not Harley Davidson and Indians. There’s a lot of great motorcycles out there to choose from if you’re not a fan of the big two American manufactures. From Honda to BMW, your choices are endless for a great bike. Also we talk about one of our favorite rides in M…
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The couple that rides together, stays together, right? Well, Cassey Stone, founder of the “Hell Yeah! Moto” women’s dirt bike riding school, and Jacob Michna, former head of the AMA Hare and Hound National Championship Series now running the AMA West Hare Scramble Championship Series, bring vastly different two-wheel experiences to their relationsh…
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In this episode Randy and I debate what is better… horsepower or torque, each has it’s benefits. Also, we have a new “Featured Ride”, the Jessie James Getaway ride in southeastern Missouri.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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Stage names often have interesting backstories. For Ryan Kluftinger, better known as “RyanF9,” host of the “FortNine” YouTube channel, the explanation is straightforward: His boss came up with the internet alias. At the time, Ryan wasn’t exactly pleased, but he shrugged it off, figuring that was a small cost for the opportunity to produce his own c…
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Local bike festivals and is Harley going woke?
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In this episode Randy and I talk about the local bike festivals here in the Ozarks. Also, we talk about what in the hell is going on with Harley Davidson! And of course we dabble in nonsensical babbling B.S..Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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Like so many of his peers, Sean Bice began his lifelong love affair with motorcycling on a minibike. His adventures in small-town, northern New York state eventually led to the purchase at age 16 of a two-stroke Yamaha RD350, which Bice still owns. “My dad was cool enough to go, ‘I’ll pay for half, you pay for half, but you have to take care of thi…
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In this episode Randy and I talk about some of the obscure motorcycles used in WWI & WWII, and which ones are on our dream garage line-up.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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What comes to mind when someone says, “Sturgis”? As in, the annual motorcycle rally set in the South Dakota city of the same name. If you’re Mark Long, host of “Driven to Ride,” you know only what you’ve read or been told. See, before this year, Mark had never been to Sturgis, never mind the rally. So this past August, he packed his bags and pointe…
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Keith Keller ventured from the U.S. to the Cayman Islands to experience first-hand the spectacular diving and snorkeling for which the British overseas territory located in the western Caribbean Sea is known, and he stayed for the motorcycling. That description may seem odd to dyed-in-the-wool riders, since Grand Cayman, the largest of the three is…
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Listener questions, and the Oldfield Loop.
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In this episode Randy and I answer some listener questions about riding two up stress-free, and the Harley Davidson EVO engine. Also, I rode the Oldfield Loop in Missouri for the first time in a couple of years, and why I highly recommend it for your bucket list rides.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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True story: “Driven to Ride” host Mark Long booked a Kawasaki Vulcan S through Riders Share for the MotoGP race weekend at Circuit of The Americas. Upon arrival in Austin, Texas, he went to the designated location to pick up the bike from owner Guillermo Cornejo. Turns out, Cornejo is the founder of Riders Share, said to be the largest motorcycle-s…
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In this episode Randy and I talk about some of our favorite rides in the Ozarks. Of course there are many great rides in the Ozarks, but there are a few that really stand out for us. Hopefully you’ll check them out for yourself.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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For generations of teenagers, a driver’s license represented independence, a milestone moment that transported fresh-faced wheelmen (and women) one step closer to adulthood. That is less so now, with fewer young drivers showing interest in taking to the road. Andrew Pieper, however, is all about bucking trends. In fact, he couldn’t wait to pass his…
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Vintage bikes and our featured ride.
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In this episode Randy and I talk about vintage motorcycles. The need for more maintenance, and the ones we would like to have in our stables. Also, we talk about our featured ride “The Piglet Run” in Arkansas. And of course we slip in a little babbling nonsense.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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If spectating at a MotoGP race in Europe is on your bucket list, then the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello won’t disappoint, as “Driven to Ride” host Mark Long discovered firsthand this past June. Long spent the week traveling with his buddy Mike, who lives in Switzerland. Together, they enjoyed the full, immersive race-we…
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Motorcycle preventative maintenance & riding alone.
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In this episode Randy and I talk about how to keep your ride in good running order, and reducing on-road breakdowns with normal preventative maintenance. Also, we’ll talk about why some people like to ride alone verses in a big group.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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“You’ve come a long way, baby,” was an advertising slogan created in the 1960s by Philip Morris for cigarette brand Virginia Slims. Aimed exclusively at women, the long-running campaign promoted equality among genders, particularly in the workplace. Crystal Fong has come a long way, too—both literally and figuratively—as she explains to host Mark L…
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Getting the best ride for you, and our featured ride.
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In this episode Randy and I talk about things you should consider when your looking to upgrade your ride comfort. Also, we talk about our new featured ride, the “Osage River Ridge” ride in central Missouri.Av Random Thought from the Road
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“Farm to fork” is a popular movement in which restaurants source fresh, locally grown ingredients from nearby farms for the meals they serve, as opposed to purchasing those items from wholesale distributors that cater to nationwide chains. Janus Motorcycles is the farm-to-fork of motorcycle makers, a regionally focused alternative to the global par…
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Harley Davidson Sportsters, and general babble.
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In this episode Randy & I talk about the Harley Sportster, what brings new riders to the lifestyle and of course, nonsensical B*ll Sh*t.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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Have you ever met someone who describes their life on this planet in such an entertaining way you lose track of time? Well, that is the dilemma “Driven to Ride” podcast host Mark Long faced with Mike van der Sleesen. Mike, the CEO of Vanson Leathers, was one of Mark’s first guests, and that interview barely scratched the surface of a life of advent…
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In this episode Randy and I talk about some of our favorite rides in the Ozarks of Missouri & Arkansas. The Ozarks has some of the best motorcycle rides that the country has to offer, and we’ll talk about some of our favorites.Av Random Thoughts from the Road Podcast
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Jeff Allen has been taking beautiful photographs of motorcycles for Cycle World magazine and its digital sister, cycleworld.com, for more than 30 years. Jeff got his start in the early 1990s as a studio assistant. His current position as staff photographer has taken Jeff all over the world in a unique role that enables him to capture the essence of…
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In this episode Randy and I explore the origins of the first motorcycle. This has been an ongoing debate among motorcycle scholars for years, but never fear, Randy and I are going to settle the debate once and for all… Well, sort of.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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We're taking you to the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas for the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas. We're not just going to the race - we're talking with Clerk of the Course Beth Miller; Sean Bice, the prolific MotoAmerica content creator who co-hosts the series’ weekly “Off Track” podcast; Brian Case, Executive Director of the Barber Vin…
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Local motorcycle rallies & festivals, and the stark realities of riding motorcycles.
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In this episode Randy & I go over the “local” rallies for 2024, all the ones to attend, and one (in our opinion) that you should avoid. Also we discuss the 500 pound gorilla in the room, getting back on your ride after an accident.Av Random Thoughts from the Road Podcast
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If there was a dictionary entry for “Moto California,” the definition might be “a nightclub on two wheels.” Or at least that is the concept West Coast transplant George Beavers had in his mind when he cooked up the idea of creating an exclusive and unique intercontinental vacation experience centered around riding fun motorcycles on spectacular roa…
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Getting your bike ready for the riding season…
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In this episode Randy and I talk about the things you need to keep in mind when getting you bike ready for the riding season. The spring & summer is the time you just want to ride, and you don’t need to wonder if your motorcycle is ready to go. Also, we talk about our featured ride, the Boston Mountain Run in Arkansas.…
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Are you afraid to ride a motorcycle at night? Does your heart skip a beat when drops of rain appear on your faceshield? You’re not alone. Carolyn Figueria—better known as “Doodle on a Motorcycle” to the legion of fans who subscribe to her YouTube channel—uses her ever-expanding platform to address these and other challenges that could have prevente…
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My new-ish Harley Davidson Street Glide, aftermarket seats and getting ready for riding season.
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In this episode Randy and I discuss my conversion from Victory to Harley Davidson and what I’m doing to the Street Glide to make it “mine”. Also, we talk about aftermarket seats, shocks and when is it time to get your bike serviced for riding season.Av Random Thoughts from the Road Podcast
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Some people seem destined for a certain line of work—a family business, for example—while others set out on a unique and unexpected career path with a specific goal in mind. Sarah Schilke identifies with the latter, the Oregon native having established early on that a life spent on two wheels in the motorcycle industry was the one and only directio…
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When Hank Snow took “I’ve Been Everywhere” to number one on the country-music charts, Dennis Noyes was writing for a daily newspaper in Venezuela. South America is a long way from central Illinois, where Noyes was born and raised. His father wrote for the “Stars And Stripes” and his mother was a linguistics professor at Purdue University, so words …
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Listener questions and the Harley Davidson M8 engine.
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In this episode Randy and I answer a listeners question about his new/used Sportster, and touring. Also, Randy answers some questions about the Harley Davidson M8 engine. Whats, good, and what’s slightly less than good.Av Random Thoughts from the Road Podcast
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When Bridget McCutchen set off from her rural midwestern home on a world tour, she had no idea what the next 16 months would bring. Some 451 days later, after covering nearly 50,000 miles and visiting 45 countries, the 22-year-old Wisconsin native had successfully checked off all the requirements to become the youngest person, man or woman, to trav…
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The most asked question we get, and an earth shattering announcement.
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In this episode Randy and I address a question I get at least a dozen times a day about riding in the Ozarks. Also, we have some shocking news that will make all of mankind question what’s real, and what’s not.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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Would you let a complete stranger ride your prized motorcycle? Austin Rothbard is betting that you will—for a fee, of course. In fact, Rothbard started a business in 2017 based on that very concept. Rothbard is a motorcyclist himself and the founder and CEO of “Twisted Road,” a peer-to-peer, community-based rental service that he fondly refers to a…
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Carburetors – Fuel Injection and Wheels.
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In this episode… Randy is back, and he wants to talk about wheels and fuel injection and carburetors.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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How’s this for a company motto? “Hand built. Made to last.” Those aren’t just words, either: Top Fuel Motorcycle drag racer and former world record holder Kory Hogan survived a 246-mph crash in a leather suit designed and manufactured under the unyielding direction of the guest on this episode, the founder and CEO of Vanson Leathers, Mike van der S…
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The Missouri Mill’s ride, and I answer the number one question I get asked about riding in the Ozarks.
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In this episode I talk about the 245 mile Missouri Mill’s ride, and the four additional mill’s added to the ride. Also, a listener writes in with a question that I get at least a dozen times a week.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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Michael Lichter rode a motorcycle to the Black Hills Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, for the first time in 1979—44 years ago. He documented that trip with a camera from the seat of his Harley-Davidson Shovelhead. Little did Lichter know that inaugural visit to the wildly popular biker party would lead to attending dozens more rallies and hundreds o…
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The differences between the Harley Davidson stage 1, 2 and 3 performance upgrade.
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In the episode Randy answers a listener’s question about stage 1, 2 and 3 performance upgrades, and are they really worth doing. Also, I ask the question “Is installing a crankcase breather/catch can worth doing”?Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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“Authenticity is earned through epic work” is one of Robert Pandya’s favorite sayings, and indeed, Robert has done some epic work during his long and wild and varied career in the powersports industry. In fact, Pandya is a bit of a jack of all trades with experience in many aspects of marketing, from media relations to hosting and producing world-c…
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Random B*ll Sh*t and 5 upgrades to make your ride more comfortable etc…
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In this episode Randy and I babble on about our thoughts on how to make your ride more comfortable. Also, Randy is getting the itch to build an “Old School” chopper, and finally we go of the deep end on best Christmas Movies. Spoiler alert, he’s wrong!Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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Once in a great while, an individual connects with an audience. News anchor Walter Cronkite was often called “the most trusted man in America.” Vin Scully was the “voice of baseball.” For legions of motorsports fanatics, our next guest’s encyclopedic knowledge and booming baritone cemented their connection with all manner of two- and four-wheel com…
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Common mistakes beginner and experienced riders make.
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In this episode Randy and I answer listener questions about our ultimate dream bikes, and the best rides we’ve been on. Also, we touch on some of the most common mistakes both beginner riders, and experienced rider make.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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For those who watched our next guest’s ascent to motocross and supercross greatness, the acronym by which this hall of famer is often and deservingly referred is apropos. Credited with 15 national titles—10 in motocross, including two perfect seasons, and five in supercross—Ricky Carmichael is indeed the GOAT, or the Greatest Of All Time. Following…
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Extending your riding season, and the Harley Davidson 130 hp crate engine.
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In this episode Randy and I answer a couple of listener questions about extending your riding season thru winter, making a Youtube video of a new chopper build and Randy’s opinion on the Harley Davidson 130 hp crate drop-in engine. Also, are choppers making a return? Shockingly he has a thought or two.…
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For a generation of motorcycle enthusiasts, Peter Egan represented something of a revelation. Here was someone who spoke their language, who found ways to escape the chill of winter to bring them with him across the country, eloquently describing through the pages of Cycle World the flat expanses, curving mountain roads, and scenic coastlines he tr…
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A “Best of”… Walking your own path.
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In this episode we step back in time and revisit our episode where Randy and I talk about the idea of walking your own path, and not letting yourself get shoehorned into a mindset that just doesn’t fit you. Also, we talk about our ride of the week, the Fort Leonard Wood loop in Missouri.Av Random Thoughts from the Road
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